CFB notebook: Richmond DB Lee dies

Richmond redshirt freshman defensive back Augustus "Gus" Lee has died, the school announced. He was 20. The Football Championship Subdivision school did not disclose the cause of death, but multiple media outlets reported that Lee committed suicide. According to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, the Virginia Department of Health's Central District Office of the Chief Medical Examiner declined to provide details on the cause of death. Lee appeared in all 11 of the Spiders' games this season, playing primarily on special teams. The 5-foot-11, 190-pound Lee was named Defensive MVP of Richmond's spring game earlier this year. "Gus was a terrific young man and a great member of our Richmond family," Spiders coach Russ Huesman said in a statement. "His loss is a true tragedy to those who knew and loved him. Our thoughts and prayers are with Gus' family. This is a very difficult time for everyone in the Richmond Spider family." Richmond president Ronald Crutcher offered the following statement: "I have been in touch with Gus' family to express our deepest condolences on behalf of the entire University," Crutcher said. "Gus was a sophomore from Fairfax, Virginia, who played on our football team. He was an undeclared pre-business major and a good friend, especially to his teammates and his fellow student-athletes. We extend our deepest sympathies to Gus' family, his teammates, professors, and many friends on our campus." --Boston College head coach Steve Addazio agreed to a two-year contract extension through the 2022 season, the school announced. Addazio, 59, had two years left of his contract before receiving the extension. Under Addazio's watch, the Eagles dropped their last three games to post a 7-5 mark this season heading into their First Responder Bowl contest against Boise State on Dec. 26. Addazio has posted a 38-38 overall record (18-30 in ACC games) in six seasons with Boston College and a 51-49 mark in eight years as an FBS coach. Addazio took over a program that posted a 2-10 mark in 2012. "After every season we evaluate all aspects of our programs to make sure they are aligned with the core mission and principles of the Boston College athletics department," Eagles athletic director Martin Jarmond wrote in a letter to school supporters. "While all of us wish our regular season in football had ended with more victories, we took important steps in the right direction this year: returning to the national rankings for the first time since 2008, capturing the nation's attention with ESPN's College GameDay on-campus, being in the running for the conference championship in November and playing in another post-season bowl. "... To continue building on our football program's progress and promise, we are extending Coach Steve Addazio's contract for two additional years through the 2022 season. Steve and I are committed to taking the next steps to enhance competitive excellence in Boston College football." --Manny Diaz, defensive coordinator at Miami (Fla.), is in final negotiations to become the next head coach at Temple, according to multiple media reports. It was first reported by Pete Thamel of Yahoo Sports, who said in a post on Twitter, "Source: Temple is finalizing a deal to make Miami DC Manny Diaz the next head coach." Diaz is in his third season with the Hurricanes after being fired as defensive coordinator by Texas at mid-season in 2013. Miami's defense ranks No. 2 nationally in total defense this season and is in the top 20 in every major statistical category. Last season, Diaz's defense led the way as Miami won its first 10 games and rose to No. 2 in the College Football Playoff poll in November. The 44-year-old has also coordinated defenses for Mississippi State, Middle Tennessee and Louisiana Tech. Diaz, long considered one to the top assistant coaches in the nation, interviewed with Temple on Monday and there was speculation from the start that he would land the job.