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UM announces Ephraim Banda, Jonathan Patke to serve as co-defensive coordinators, Jess Simpson promoted to associate head coach

A day after former defensive coordinator Manny Diaz was named the head coach at Temple, Hurricanes coach Mark Richt announced a series of promotions that should keep three members of Miami’s defensive coaching staff in Coral Gables.

Safeties coach Ephraim Banda and outside linebackers coach Jonathan Patke were named co-defensive coordinators on Friday, while defensive line coach Jess Simpson was promoted to associate head coach.

The moves were announced just as the Hurricanes — who had the nation’s second-ranked defense this season — were hosting a group of top-notch defensive prospects on campus ahead of the Early Signing Period, which is set to begin Wednesday.