Miss St. hires Wilson as co-defensive coordinator

Published Jan. 16, 2010 10:03 p.m. ET

foxsports

Mississippi State has hired Manny Diaz as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach and Chris Wilson as defensive line coach.

The hirings, announced Saturday by coach Dan Mullen, must be approved by the university's governing board.

Diaz comes to Mississippi State after four years at Middle Tennessee. In 2009, the Blue Raiders were ranked in the top three in the Sun Belt Conference in total yards allowed, rushing yards allowed, passing yards allowed and scoring defense.

Wilson spent the past five seasons coaching defensive linemen at Oklahoma. The Sooners finished last season eighth nationally against the run and tied for sixth in sacks per game.