History of Mario Cristobal in Timeline

Mario Cristobal is an American college football coach currently serving as the head coach for the University of Miami. Prior to Miami, he was the head coach at Florida International University (FIU) and the University of Oregon. Cristobal's coaching career followed a successful playing career as an offensive tackle for the Miami Hurricanes, where he won national championships in 1989 and 1991. He is known for his recruiting prowess and emphasis on physicality.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

September 24, 1970: Mario Cristobal's Birth

On September 24, 1970, Mario Manuel Cristobal was born. He would later become an American college football coach.

Others born on this day/year

1987: First Quarterback NFL Draft Pick

In 1987, the Miami Hurricanes had their first quarterback selected first overall since Vinny Testaverde.

1987: Last Sweep of Notre Dame, Florida, and Florida State

In 1987, the Miami Hurricanes swept Notre Dame, Florida, and Florida State, a feat they would not accomplish again until 2025 under Cristobal.

1989: Cristobal Joins Miami Hurricanes

In 1989, Mario Cristobal began playing for the University of Miami, earning a spot as a four-year letterman.

1989: National Championship with Miami Hurricanes

In 1989, Mario Cristobal was part of the Miami Hurricanes football team that won the national championship.

1991: Second National Championship with Miami

In 1991, Mario Cristobal was a member of his second national championship-winning team at the University of Miami.

1991: First NFL Draft Pick

In 1991, the Miami Hurricanes had their first No. 1 overall pick NFL Draft pick since Russell Maryland.

1992: All-Big East Conference Honors

In 1992, Mario Cristobal was recognized as First-team All-Big East Conference as an offensive tackle.

1993: Graduation from University of Miami

In 1993, Mario Cristobal graduated from the University of Miami with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree.

1994: Signs with Denver Broncos

In 1994, Mario Cristobal signed a free-agent contract with the Denver Broncos.

1995: Plays for Amsterdam Admirals

In 1995, Mario Cristobal played for the Amsterdam Admirals of NFL Europe.

1996: Continues with Amsterdam Admirals

In 1996, Mario Cristobal continued playing for the Amsterdam Admirals of NFL Europe before transitioning to his collegiate coaching career.

1998: Graduate Assistant at Miami

In 1998, Mario Cristobal began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at the University of Miami under head coach Butch Davis.

1998: Secret Service Job Offer

In 1998, Mario Cristobal was offered a job as a U.S. Secret Service agent, but he ultimately chose to remain in collegiate football coaching.

2000: Continues as Graduate Assistant

In 2000, Mario Cristobal continued his role as a graduate assistant at the University of Miami.

2001: Coaching Role at Rutgers

From 2001, Mario Cristobal served as the tight ends and offensive line coach at Rutgers University under Greg Schiano.

2001: Master's Degree

In 2001, Mario Cristobal earned a Master's degree from the University of Miami.

2003: End of Rutgers Coaching Role

In 2003, Mario Cristobal's time as the tight ends and offensive line coach at Rutgers University concluded.

2004: Returns to Miami Coaching

In 2004, Mario Cristobal returned to the University of Miami to serve as tight ends coach and offensive line coach under Larry Coker.

2004: Last Florida Cup Sweep Before 2024

In 2004, the Miami Hurricanes had a Florida Cup sweep, the last one before 2024.

June 2006: Marriage to Jessica

In June 2006, Mario Cristobal married his wife, Jessica.

December 19, 2006: Named FIU Head Coach

On December 19, 2006, Mario Cristobal was appointed as the second head coach in Florida International University's (FIU) history, becoming the first Cuban-American head coach in Division I-A.

2006: End of Second Miami Coaching Role

In 2006, Mario Cristobal completed his three-season stint as tight ends coach and offensive line coach at the University of Miami under Larry Coker.

2007: Head Coach at FIU

In 2007, Mario Cristobal became the head football coach at Florida International University (FIU).

2008: Signs of Improvement at FIU

In 2008, Mario Cristobal's second season at FIU showed signs of improvement with the team finishing with a 5-7 record, including an upset win against Toledo and victories over North Texas and MTSU.

May 29, 2009: Fittest Coach in FBS

On May 29, 2009, Mario Cristobal confirmed on "The Dan Le Batard Show" that an ESPN blog had named him the fittest coach in the FBS.

December 12, 2009: Premiere of "The U" Documentary

On December 12, 2009, the documentary "The U", featuring Mario Cristobal, premiered on ESPN. It chronicled the rise and scandals of the University of Miami's football program and drew 2.3 million viewers.

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2010: Sun Belt Conference Championship

In 2010, Mario Cristobal led FIU to their first Sun Belt Conference championship and their first-ever winning season, resulting in a bid to the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl where they defeated Toledo 34-32, finishing with a 7-6 record.

December 5, 2012: Fired from FIU

On December 5, 2012, Mario Cristobal was fired from his position as head coach of the FIU football program after a 3-9 season. The decision was met with criticism.

2012: End of FIU Coaching

In 2012, Mario Cristobal's tenure as the head football coach at Florida International University (FIU) concluded.

January 10, 2013: Hired by Miami

On January 10, 2013, Mario Cristobal was hired by Miami to serve as associate head coach and tight ends coach.

2014: Cam Robinson Freshman All-American

In 2014, Cam Robinson, coached by Mario Cristobal, was named a freshman All-American.

2015: National Recruiter of the Year

In 2015, Mario Cristobal was named the National Recruiter of the Year by 247Sports.

2015: Top Recruiter in the Nation

In 2015, Mario Cristobal was named the top recruiter in the nation by 247Sports, ESPN, Rivals, and Scout.

2015: Joe Moore Award

In 2015, Mario Cristobal's Alabama offensive line won the inaugural Joe Moore Award, recognizing them as the nation's best.

2016: Ranked #2 Recruiter in the Nation

In 2016, Mario Cristobal was ranked as the nation's No. 2 recruiter in the country by 247Sports.

January 2017: Joins Oregon Coaching Staff

In January 2017, Mario Cristobal joined Willie Taggart's staff at Oregon as offensive line coach, co-offensive coordinator, and run game coordinator.

December 5, 2017: Interim Head Coach

On December 5, 2017, Mario Cristobal was named interim head coach at Oregon following Willie Taggart's departure.

December 8, 2017: Named Permanent Head Coach

On December 8, 2017, Mario Cristobal was officially announced as the permanent head coach of the Oregon Ducks.

2017: Head Coach at Oregon

In 2017, Mario Cristobal became the head football coach at the University of Oregon.

2017: Joined Oregon Staff

In 2017, Mario Cristobal joined Willie Taggart's staff at Oregon.

2017: Highest Ranking Since 2017

In 2017, Miami rose to No. 2 in the AP Poll, its highest ranking since 2017.

2017: Last 10-Win Season Before 2024

In 2017, the Miami Hurricanes had a 10-win season. It was the last time they would reach that milestone until 2024.

2018: Redbox Bowl Victory

In 2018, Mario Cristobal coached Oregon to a 9-4 record and a victory in the Redbox Bowl against Michigan State.

2019: Pac-12 Coach of the Year

In 2019, Mario Cristobal was voted Pac-12 Coach of the Year by the Associated Press after leading Oregon to an 11-2 regular season record, a North division title, a Conference Championship, and a Rose Bowl berth.

2020: Pac-12 Championship

In 2020, Mario Cristobal led Oregon to another Pac-12 Championship, posting a 4-2 record. The season concluded with a loss in the Fiesta Bowl to Iowa State.

December 6, 2021: Named Miami Head Coach

On December 6, 2021, Mario Cristobal was named head coach of the University of Miami Hurricanes football team, replacing Manny Diaz and signing a 10-year, $80 million contract.

2021: Departure from Oregon

In 2021, Mario Cristobal departed from his position as head football coach at the University of Oregon.

October 2023: Clock Management Controversy

In October 2023, during his second year at Miami, Mario Cristobal faced significant criticism for a costly clock management mistake in a home game against Georgia Tech, leading to a 23-20 loss.

2024: First 10-Win Season Since 2017

In 2024, Mario Cristobal led the Miami Hurricanes to their first 10-win season since 2017. He also secured the program’s fourth Florida Cup - the first such sweep since 2004.

2024: Hurricanes In-State Rivals Streak

In 2024, the Hurricanes also went 4–0 against in-state rivals, contributing to a streak of 8-0 over the past two seasons.

2025: Victories Over Top Teams and Florida Cup Win

In 2025, Mario Cristobal's Miami team opened the season with a victory over No. 6 Notre Dame and defeated several top teams, securing the program's fifth Florida Cup title and second consecutive one.

2025: Cam Ward Selected No. 1 Overall

In the 2025 NFL draft, Cam Ward, from the Miami Hurricanes program, was selected No. 1 overall, becoming the third player in program history to be selected No. 1 overall.