Manny Diaz succeeded Mark Richt in December 2018 when the former Hurricanes quarterback abruptly retired three days after Miami was crushed 35-3 by Wisconsin in the pinstripe bowl. Diaz created a lot of excitement for the Miami football program during the 2019 season via social media updates.
Diaz sent out updates about transfers and new coaching hires and stunts like arriving at a fan event on a yacht. The hype created unrealistic expectations by the Miami fanbase. The 6-6 season that culminated with losses to FIU and Duke and had Miami lose three games as a two-touchdown favorite including those two and Georgia Tech.