(BCSNN) — Duke University has extended head football coach Manny Diaz through the 2031 season, Vice President and Director of Athletics Nina King announced Thursday, solidifying the program’s leadership after one of the most successful stretches in school history.
“Manny Diaz is exactly the right leader at exactly the right time for Duke University,” King said. “His clear vision for Duke football, deep understanding of our student‑athletes and strong alignment with campus and athletics leadership have positioned us for sustained success in the years ahead.”
Diaz, hired on Dec. 7, 2023, has guided the Blue Devils to nine wins in each of his first two seasons, joining the 2013 and 2014 teams as the only squads in program history to post back‑to‑back seasons with nine or more victories. His 18–9 record through 27 games ranks second among active ACC coaches at their current schools, trailing only Louisville’s Jeff Brohm (19–8).
The 2025 season marked a breakthrough. Duke finished 9–5 overall, 6–2 in ACC play, and claimed its first outright ACC Championship since 1962 with a 27–20 overtime win over No. 16 Virginia in Charlotte. The Blue Devils capped the year with a 42–39 victory in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl, securing the program’s third season in history with both an ACC title and a bowl win.
Diaz also joined Eddie Cameron, Bill Murray, David Cutcliffe and Mike Elko as the only Duke coaches to win a bowl game.
The Blue Devils’ rise has extended beyond the conference. Duke earned its second straight state championship in 2025 with wins over NC State, North Carolina and Wake Forest — the program’s first consecutive state titles since 1961–62.
Player development has been a defining feature of Diaz’s tenure. In two seasons, Duke has produced four All‑Americans, one Academic All‑America selection, one AFCA Good Works Team honoree, 26 All‑ACC players, and 71 All‑ACC Academic Team picks.
A Miami native and 1995 Florida State graduate, Diaz has emphasized culture, discipline and academic alignment — traits Duke believes will sustain the program’s momentum well into the next decade.
