After the Hurricanes have gotten off to a disappointing 3-4 start in 2019, Miami Athletic Director Blake James faced the media on Tuesday for the first time during the season.
“We’re 3-4, I think you could - anyone that’s watched the games, seen the effort put forward by the team throughout - recognize that plays 90% of the time go your way in certain occasions haven’t gone our way,” James said. “Could easily be 5-2, as an optimist 7-0… I know coach (Manny) Diaz is focused on having our guys ready to go this weekend and give their best effort.”
Despite the early struggles, James still has confidence that Diaz can win championships at Miami.
“We have the best person for the job,” James said. “Anytime you do the search, you want to get the best person. Manny Diaz is the best person.”
At what point would he start having concerns about the direction of the program?
“Manny and I are in regular communication,” James said. “He wants to win, I want to win. Our fans want us to win… There are things we have to address on an ongoing basis. I don’t believe in waiting till the end of the year. There’s things we can change right now, change them right now. If there’s things we need to change at the end of the year, change them at the end of the year.
“You’re always making changes, Manny has made changes already, he’s been vocal, public about some… You have to look at the situation and then put your team in the best position possible to win the game.”
At the end of the day, James is zeroed-in on closing out the season on a strong note, beginning with Pitt this Saturday.
“We have five games left in the football season, (Diaz is) focused on doing everything he can to go out and execute and bring home five victories.
“We want to win every game, I think everyone is smart enough to know there isn’t a program that wins every game every year. We’re going to go out and do the very best we can every week.”
“We’re 3-4, I think you could - anyone that’s watched the games, seen the effort put forward by the team throughout - recognize that plays 90% of the time go your way in certain occasions haven’t gone our way,” James said. “Could easily be 5-2, as an optimist 7-0… I know coach (Manny) Diaz is focused on having our guys ready to go this weekend and give their best effort.”
Despite the early struggles, James still has confidence that Diaz can win championships at Miami.
“We have the best person for the job,” James said. “Anytime you do the search, you want to get the best person. Manny Diaz is the best person.”
At what point would he start having concerns about the direction of the program?
“Manny and I are in regular communication,” James said. “He wants to win, I want to win. Our fans want us to win… There are things we have to address on an ongoing basis. I don’t believe in waiting till the end of the year. There’s things we can change right now, change them right now. If there’s things we need to change at the end of the year, change them at the end of the year.
“You’re always making changes, Manny has made changes already, he’s been vocal, public about some… You have to look at the situation and then put your team in the best position possible to win the game.”
At the end of the day, James is zeroed-in on closing out the season on a strong note, beginning with Pitt this Saturday.
“We have five games left in the football season, (Diaz is) focused on doing everything he can to go out and execute and bring home five victories.
“We want to win every game, I think everyone is smart enough to know there isn’t a program that wins every game every year. We’re going to go out and do the very best we can every week.”
