BEAUMONT, Texas – Jacob Diaz has been promoted to assistant coach and will work directly with the Cardinals' wide receivers announced head coach Pete Rossomando. Diaz is entering his third season with the program after spending his first two seasons serving as the team's general manager and director of operations.
 
"Jacob has strong familiarity with our program," said Rossomando. "He was originally hired to work with receivers before taking over the director of operations position in January 2023. During his time here, he has earned a great deal of respect from the players."
 
Diaz originally came to Lamar in July 2022 as a graduate assistant coach to work with LU's receivers, special teams and assist with on-campus recruiting before accepting the position as director of operations.  During his brief time in the Golden Triangle, Diaz has been a part of the resurgence of Lamar Cardinals football.
 
Diaz had four years of coaching experience before arriving in the Golden Triangle including stops at three other universities. A graduate of Briar Cliff University, Diaz began his coaching career at Southwest El Centro High School in El Centro, Calif. He served as the co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach during the 2019 campaign. Serving as the in-game play caller, Diaz's offense produced five players that went on to play at the next level.
 
Diaz was at Southwest El Centro for one season before returning to his alma mater in April 2020 to work with the Chargers' receivers and take on the role of assistant recruiting coordinator. Before the end of the season, Diaz was named interim head coach and served in that position for the team's final four games.
 
Diaz has also made stops at Midland University and Adams State before his time in Beaumont. During his one season at Adams State, Diaz coached the receivers while also serving as the special teams and recruiting coordinator.
 
"I am blessed to be given this opportunity," said Diaz. "I am very thankful to Coach Rossomando for believing in me. This program his headed in the right direction under his leadership and I'm thankful to be a part of it. A dream of mine is coming true."
 
While Lamar graduated big-play threat, Sevonne Rhea, Diaz will work with a talented stable of receivers in 2025. Big Red returns six of its top seven receivers (in terms yards) and five of its top seven in terms of receptions – including rising senior Kyndon Fuselier who tied Rhea for the team lead in receptions last season.