History of Mario Cristobal in Timeline
Mario Cristobal, a Cuban-American, is the head football coach for the University of Miami Hurricanes. His coaching career includes leading Florida International University's (FIU) football team from 2007 to 2012 and the University of Oregon's team from 2017 to 2021. Before venturing into coaching, Cristobal was an accomplished offensive tackle for the Miami Hurricanes, contributing to their national championship victories in 1989 and 1991.
September 24, 1970: Birth of Mario Cristobal
Mario Manuel Cristobal was born on September 24, 1970.
1988: Start of Collegiate Football Career
Mario Cristobal's journey as a collegiate football player begins in 1988 at the University of Miami.
1989: First National Championship as a Player
As a player for the Miami Hurricanes, Mario Cristobal wins his first national championship in 1989.
1991: Second National Championship as a Player
Mario Cristobal wins his second national championship as a player with the Miami Hurricanes in 1991.
1992: All-Big East Conference Recognition
In 1992, Mario Cristobal is recognized for his skills on the field, earning First-team All-Big East Conference honors as an offensive tackle.
1993: Graduation from the University of Miami
Mario Cristobal graduates from the University of Miami in 1993 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree.
1994: Signing with the Denver Broncos
Mario Cristobal embarks on his professional football career in 1994, signing as a free agent with the Denver Broncos.
1995: Playing for the Amsterdam Admirals
Mario Cristobal joins the Amsterdam Admirals of NFL Europe in 1995.
1996: Continuing with the Amsterdam Admirals
Mario Cristobal continues his time with the Amsterdam Admirals in 1996.
1998: Decision to Pursue Coaching over Secret Service
After his football playing career ended, Mario Cristobal pursued a career with the U.S. Secret Service, successfully navigating a rigorous two-year application process and receiving a job offer in 1998. Despite accepting the position and informing his fellow Miami Hurricanes players of his departure, Cristobal had a change of heart. Opting to stay in the world of football, he chose to continue his coaching journey as a graduate assistant at the University of Miami.
1998: Start of Coaching Career at Miami
Mario Cristobal transitions to coaching in 1998 as a graduate assistant at the University of Miami under Butch Davis.
2000: Continuing as Graduate Assistant at Miami
Mario Cristobal continues his role as a graduate assistant at the University of Miami in 2000.
2001: Master's Degree Completion
Mario Cristobal furthered his education by completing a master's degree at the University of Miami in 2001.
2001: Coaching at Rutgers University
Mario Cristobal takes on the role of tight ends and offensive line coach at Rutgers University under Greg Schiano in 2001.
2003: Continuing at Rutgers University
Mario Cristobal continues his coaching stint at Rutgers University in 2003.
2004: Return to Miami as Coach
Mario Cristobal rejoins the University of Miami as tight ends coach and offensive line coach under Larry Coker in 2004.
June 2006: Marriage to Jessica
Mario Cristobal married Jessica in June 2006. They have two sons together, Mario Mateo and Rocco.
December 19, 2006: Named Head Coach at FIU
Mario Cristobal makes history on December 19, 2006, by being named the second head coach in FIU's history and the first Cuban-American head coach in Division I-A.
2006: Concluding Coaching Stint at Miami
Mario Cristobal concludes his coaching role at the University of Miami in 2006.
2007: Head Coach at FIU
Mario Cristobal begins his tenure as the head football coach at Florida International University (FIU) in 2007.
2008: Signs of Improvement at FIU
Mario Cristobal's second season at FIU in 2008 shows progress, with the team achieving an upset win and a three-game winning streak.
May 29, 2009: Recognized for Recruiting and Fitness
Mario Cristobal earns recognition for his recruiting prowess and is even named the fittest coach in the FBS by an ESPN blog in 2009.
December 12, 2009: The U Documentary Premieres
The ESPN documentary "The U," featuring Mario Cristobal among other Miami Hurricanes players, premieres on December 12, 2009, chronicling the team's rise to prominence and subsequent controversies.
2010: First Winning Season and Bowl Victory at FIU
In 2010, Mario Cristobal leads FIU to their first-ever winning season (7-6) and their first-ever bowl victory, defeating Toledo in the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl.
December 5, 2012: Dismissed as FIU Head Coach
Despite previous successes, Mario Cristobal is fired from his position as head coach of FIU on December 5, 2012, following a 3-9 season.
2012: Departure from FIU
Mario Cristobal's time as head coach at FIU ends in 2012.
January 10, 2013: Hired by Miami, then Alabama
After his dismissal from FIU, Mario Cristobal is swiftly hired by the University of Miami and then by Nick Saban at Alabama in January 2013.
2014: Coaching Standout Offensive Line
Mario Cristobal's impact on Alabama's offensive line is evident in 2014 with the emergence of freshman All-American Cam Robinson.
2015: Top Recruiter Recognition
In 2015, Mario Cristobal earned widespread recognition for his recruiting prowess, being named the nation's top recruiter by major organizations including 247Sports, ESPN, Rivals, and Scout.
2015: Joe Moore Award for Offensive Line Excellence
In 2015, Mario Cristobal's offensive line at Alabama is recognized as the nation's best, earning the prestigious Joe Moore Award.
2015: National Recruiter of the Year
Mario Cristobal's recruiting prowess at Alabama earns him the National Recruiter of the Year award by 247Sports in 2015.
2016: Top-Ranked Recruiter
Mario Cristobal continues to excel in recruiting, ranking as the nation's No. 2 recruiter by 247Sports in 2016.
January 2017: Joining Oregon's Coaching Staff
Mario Cristobal joins Willie Taggart's staff at the University of Oregon in January 2017 as offensive line coach and co-offensive coordinator.
December 5, 2017: Interim Head Coach at Oregon
Following Willie Taggart's departure, Mario Cristobal steps in as the interim head coach at Oregon on December 5, 2017.
December 8, 2017: Named Permanent Head Coach at Oregon
Just three days after becoming interim head coach, Mario Cristobal is officially announced as the permanent head coach of the Oregon Ducks on December 8, 2017.
2017: Head Coach at Oregon
Mario Cristobal takes on the role of head football coach at the University of Oregon in 2017.
2017: Joining Oregon and Head Coach Transition
Mario Cristobal joined the Oregon Ducks coaching staff in 2017 under head coach Willie Taggart, playing a key role in securing the 13th ranked recruiting class. When Taggart departed for Florida State, Cristobal assumed the role of head coach. During his three-year tenure as head coach, Oregon maintained a strong recruiting presence, securing the 8th, 12th, and 6th ranked recruiting classes, which included notable players like future #5 overall draft pick Kayvon Thibodeaux, who was the #1 overall recruit.
2018: Redbox Bowl Victory
In 2018, Mario Cristobal leads the Oregon Ducks to a 9-4 record and a victory in the Redbox Bowl against Michigan State.
2019: Pac-12 Coach of the Year and Rose Bowl Victory
In 2019, Mario Cristobal was recognized as the Pac-12 Coach of the Year by the Associated Press after leading Oregon to an impressive 11-2 regular season record. The team's success included winning the North division, triumphing over Utah in the Conference Championship, and securing a coveted spot in the Rose Bowl. Under Cristobal's guidance, the Oregon offensive line, which featured future Outland Trophy winner Penei Sewell, emerged as one of the nation's best, even earning a finalist spot for the prestigious Joe Moore Award. The season culminated in a memorable Rose Bowl victory against the Wisconsin Badgers.
2020: Second Pac-12 Championship and Fiesta Bowl Appearance
In 2020, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and a shortened conference-only schedule, Mario Cristobal steered Oregon to their second consecutive Pac-12 Championship with a 4-2 record. Their season concluded with a loss to Iowa State in the Fiesta Bowl.
December 6, 2021: Named Head Coach of the Miami Hurricanes
On December 6, 2021, Mario Cristobal was appointed as the head coach of the University of Miami Hurricanes football team, succeeding Manny Diaz. Cristobal committed to a substantial 10-year, $80 million contract with the Hurricanes.
2021: Departure from Oregon
In 2021, Mario Cristobal led Oregon to a strong 10-2 regular season record. However, he unexpectedly left the program before the team's Alamo Bowl matchup against Oklahoma, which resulted in a loss.
2021: End of Tenure at Oregon
Mario Cristobal's time as head coach at the University of Oregon concludes in 2021.
October 2023: Clock Management Controversy
During October 2023, in his second year coaching at Miami, Cristobal faced heavy criticism for a controversial clock management decision during a home game against Georgia Tech. With less than 40 seconds remaining and a three-point lead, Cristobal's decision to run the ball instead of kneeling allowed Georgia Tech, who were out of timeouts, to force a turnover and secure a 23-20 victory.