The move was surprising after the press release on Thursday announcing that a National Search would take place for Diaz’s successor. Banda has been the Safeties Coach for the Miami Football team since Mark Richt was hired as Head Coach in December 2015. Patke has been on the Miami Coaching staff since 2016.
In addition to Banda and Patke’s promotions, Defensive Line Coach Jess Simpson who has been on the Miami Football staff for less than a year was promoted to Associate Head Coach. Patke joined the Hurricanes as a defensive quality control analyst and was promoted to outside linebackers coach in the 2017 offseason.