The University of Akron Athletics
McDaniel Joins Zips Football Staff as Cornerbacks Coach
March 16 | Football
AKRON, Ohio – University of Akron head football coach J.D. Brookhart announced the hiring of former NFL defensive back Emmanuel McDaniel as the cornerbacks coach, replacing Aaron Alford who accepted a similar post at the University of Utah.
After an eight-year NFL career (1996-2003), McDaniel retired from professional football, stepping away from the sport for a couple of years to be with his newborn son. Last season he worked as a volunteer in the Akron football office.
"We have a lot of faith in Emmanuel," Brookhart said. "His experience in the NFL as a defensive back will certainly be beneficial. Also, he played for (Akron defensive coordinator) Jim Fleming at East Carolina, so I know they will work well together."
A native of Griffin, Ga., McDaniel played for four teams over his NFL career, including the Carolina Panthers (1996 and 2002), the Indianapolis Colts (1997), New York Giants (1999-2001) and the Arizona Cardinals (2003). He ended his career with 161 tackles, 32 passes defended and eight interceptions. In addition to being a highly-touted top nickel back in the league over his career, McDaniel additionally served on his teams' punt, punt return and kickoff coverage units.
His best season in the NFL came in 2000 when he picked off six passes to help the Giants post a 12-4 regular-season record and rank as one of the top five defenses in the league. Also during the 2002 season, McDaniel was named his team's Defensive Player of the Game as the Giants defeated the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Championship game. He followed that by earning a starting nod as the nickel back in Super Bowl XXXV versus the Baltimore Ravens.
McDaniel was a part of two other successful teams during his career. In his first year in the league, the Panthers were 1996 NFC West champions and reached the NFC Championship game. In his lone season with the Dolphins (1998), Miami entered the playoffs as a wild card before falling in the second round to eventual Super Bowl champion Denver.
McDaniel was a four-year letterman (1992-95) at East Carolina where he finished his career with 112 tackles and 13 interceptions. He led the Pirates in interceptions three times and his 13 career picks rank sixth all-time in ECU history. As a senior, McDaniel earned first team All-South Independent honors, under the direction of then Pirate defensive backs coach and current Akron defensive coordinator Jim Fleming.
McDaniel received a B.A. in criminal justice in 1995. He is married Lynn Viehmeyer of Poland, Ohio, and the couple has one son, Jaylen (3).
Akron will begin its annual spring football drills on Mar. 29 with the Blue and Gold Game – presented by Sky Bank – is set for Sunday, April 15, at 4 pm.
