The athletic performance coach, often referred to as strength and conditioning, will be the most important hire of the Manny Diaz regime. Many, including myself, are intrigued by the thought of big name potential offensive coordinator hires such as Major Applewhite or Jeff Scott but in reality the athletic performance department will make or break Manny Diaz’s time as head football coach.
Under NCAA rules, the athletic performance department spends more time with the student-athletes than the head coach is even allowed. The athletic performance coaches are ever-present through the summer, fall, winter and into the spring season.