Duke Football Rocked as Head Coach Manny Diaz Tests Positive for COVID-19 — Program Temporarily Paused with August Camp Looming

In an unexpected twist that has sent shockwaves through the college football community, Duke Blue Devils head football coach Manny Diaz has tested positive for COVID-19, forcing the program into a sudden standstill just weeks before the team’s planned August return to full activity.

The university released an official statement this morning confirming that Diaz, who was hired to usher in a new era of Blue Devil football, received a positive COVID-19 test result late Thursday evening. As a precaution, all in-person team activities have been suspended, with players and staff entering a temporary lockdown until further testing and contact tracing are completed.

Sources inside the program indicate that Diaz began feeling mild symptoms earlier in the week but initially believed them to be due to fatigue from the offseason grind. After consulting medical personnel, he underwent testing, which confirmed the infection. He is now isolating and reportedly experiencing mild symptoms, with no immediate threat to his overall health.

The news has cast a shadow over what had been a summer of high expectations for Duke football. Diaz, who took over the Blue Devils this past offseason following the departure of Mike Elko to Texas A&M, had energized the program with fresh energy and a revamped coaching staff. His bold approach to recruiting and player development had already drawn praise from players and alumni alike, giving fans hope that Duke could quickly return to ACC contention.

Now, however, all momentum is temporarily halted. Team meetings, training sessions, and strategic planning for the August camp have been suspended or moved to virtual formats. Players and assistant coaches have been asked to remain in their residences until the university’s medical team can determine if any wider outbreak has occurred within the football department.

The timing of this setback couldn’t be worse. Duke was just two weeks away from officially opening its preseason training camp. With a tough early-season schedule on the horizon, every moment of preparation is crucial — especially for a team adapting to a new system on both sides of the ball. Diaz had been scheduled to meet with the media next week to discuss the upcoming season, but that availability has been postponed indefinitely.

Public reaction from the fan base has been a mixture of concern and frustration. While many have expressed support for Diaz and wishes for his recovery, others are worried about how this sudden disruption could affect the team’s readiness. “This is a critical time,” said long-time fan Mike Thorne. “I just hope this doesn’t derail the entire season. We finally have a coach who seems ready to turn things around.”

Medical experts consulted by the university have emphasized that the protocols in place — including mandatory testing, isolation, and contact tracing — are designed to prevent a larger outbreak. So far, no other positive cases among the coaching staff or player roster have been confirmed, though additional testing is ongoing.

The university has also reintroduced some earlier safety measures to its athletic facilities, including limited access, enhanced sanitization procedures, and revised travel guidelines for staff. Assistant coaches are expected to take on increased responsibilities during Diaz’s recovery, with defensive coordinator Blake Baker likely leading interim operations in Diaz’s absence.

Duke’s season opener is still scheduled for late August, but there are already quiet concerns inside the athletic department that timelines may need to be adjusted depending on how the next week unfolds. While there has been no official word on potential rescheduling, officials are reportedly in contact with the ACC about contingency plans should the situation escalate.