Reports: Michigan's Don Brown interviews for Temple job, but Diaz the choice

Michigan defensive coordinator Don Brown reportedly interviewed with Temple for its head coaching job, according to a sourced report in the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Miami (Fla.) defensive coordinator Manny Diaz and Francis Brown, who was a Temple assistant (2011-2016) and more recently Baylor assistant head coach/cornerbacks, also reportedly have interviewed.

The Associated Press reported Wednesday that Temple is finalizing a contract to make Diaz its next head coach, according to a person familiar with negotiations.

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Wednesday because the deal was still being worked on. Diaz would replace Geoff Collins, who left Temple after two seasons to become coach at Georgia Tech last week.

Mike Elko also reportedly interviewed but will return to Texas A&M as defensive coordinator.

Brown has led Michigan’s defense to the top ranking nationally in two of the last three seasons, including this year. The 63-year-old Brown has repeatedly said he’s happy in Ann Arbor.

“I love it here,” Brown has said. “I’ve said it 100 times and I’ll say it again — Coach (Jim Harbaugh) has a tremendous philosophy of how he coaches this game. I never have to worry about anything but coaching defense. What a beautiful job. That’s all I can say.

“I get to work for the best head coach in the country, and I get to practice my craft, and hopefully keep the kids happy. When they’re not happy, then you’ve got to go. I don’t know about the lifer piece, but I’m enjoying every day. That’s for sure.”

Brown has been a head coach three times during his career, most recently at Massachusetts, 2004-2008

His five-year contract, revised in December 2016, is for $1 million per year with a retention bonus each of the first four years -- $300,000 in each of the first two years and $400,000 in Years 3 and 4. There is no retention bonus in the final year of the contract. He would owe Michigan $250,000 if he leaves for another job before the end of his contract. 

Associated Press contributed

achengelis@detroitnews.com

Twitter: @chengelis