Diaz, who has more than 12 years of college coaching experience, most recently served as running backs coach and recruiting coordinator at Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) rival Florida A&M the past three years, under former head coach Rubin Carter.
“Coach Diaz brings a wealth of coaching and administrative experience, in addition to familiarity with the conference, to our staff,” Lavan said. “He has enjoyed success at every stop in his career, and we are fortunate to have someone of his caliber join our team.”
During the 2007 season, Diaz was credited with the success of Florida A&M freshman tailback Philip Sylvester, who was named MEAC Rookie-of-the-Year after rushing for nearly 900 yards and leading the league in all-purpose yards (164.3 ypg).
“Coach Lavan is doing a tremendous job at Delaware State, and I’m honored to join his staff,” Diaz said. “I’m extremely impressed with the university, and its commitment to its teams. I’m looking forward to working with the staff to continue the success the Hornets have enjoyed the last few years.”
Diaz began his coaching career at his alma mater, the University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa, Fla. (1996-1998), where he was an assistant to the offensive coordinator.
Photo: Coach Diaz and the entire Rattlers football staff of head coach Rubin Carter was fired by incoming A.D. William "Bill" Hayes in January 2008.
In 1998, Diaz was promoted to tight ends coach for USF, and also served as coordinator for recruiting and special teams. That season, the Bulls led the nation in total punt return yards and was seventh in net punting, limiting opponents to 2.1 yards per return. During the 1999 season, South Florida was eighth in the nation in net punting and 12th in kickoff returns.
Diaz also served as running backs coach at Columbia University in New York during the 2000 season. At Columbia, Diaz coached Johnathan Reese, the school's first 1,000 yard rusher, who was an All-Ivy League First Team selection after leading the conference with 1,330 yards rushing.
From 2001 to ’03, Diaz was running backs coach at Florida International University. FIU’s Rashod Smith was a Division I-AA All-Independent First Team selection at running back in 2001.
In the summer of 2003, Diaz did a brief stint with the NFL’s New York Jets during training camp, working with the offensive staff in all phases of preparation for the season.
Diaz was running backs coach and special teams consultant at Widener University in Chester, Pa. in 2004. That season, the Division III Pioneers were 11th in the nation in kickoff returns (23.3 ypr).
Diaz earned a bachelors in geology from South Florida in 1983. He is also a 2005 graduate of the NCAA Advanced Coaches Academy.
Courtesy: DSU Athletic Media Relations
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