Ed Orgeron reveals expectations for the Cristobal era at Miami

Ed Orgeron spent four seasons as an assistant for the Miami Hurricanes from 1988 until 1992. At one point this offseason, it was rumored he may return to ‘The U’ on Mario Cristobal’s staff. Although he didn’t return to the coaching ranks, Orgeron believes big things are coming for his former player.

In an interview with 1010 XL in Jacksonville, the former head coach at LSU opened up about what he thinks about the Hurricane’s next head coach.

“Phenomenal. I was on the staff when Mario was a freshman (at Miami),” said Orgeron. “He played on the scout team, but he was tough. Tough, hard-nosed, loved Miami.”

Cristobal played for Miami from 1989 to 1992. As an offensive lineman, he was a part of two national championship teams in Miami in 1989 and 1992. After five seasons at Oregon, Miami hired one of their own to a 10-year, $80 million contract to help get the program back on track.

After spending some time around Cristobal’s program this summer, Orgeron thinks Cristobal will have what it takes once his recruiting presence takes hold.

“I spent a week down in Miami. His practices, his organization, and his recruiting skills,” said Orgeron. “He can attract big-time guys. He’s got a great staff. I think it’s going to take a little time because of the recruiting to get to what he wants to do but I think he can do it.”

With their last national championship coming over two decades ago, Miami is hoping Orgeron is right that Cristobal is the man to get their program back to the top. His first opportunity to show it will come in their season opener on September 3rd against Bethune-Cookman.