Jimmy Johnson comments on Miami hiring Mario Cristobal

Mario Cristobal has a long history with the city of Miami and the University of Miami, starting when legendary hurricanes coach Jimmy Johnson recruited him as a high school player. As he moves from Oregon back to Miami, Cristobal has received high praise from across the college football world.

Hall of Famer Jimmy Johnson, who took the Dallas Cowboys job before coaching Mario Cristobal, provided a comment on the hire, posting his welcome on social media Wednesday morning.

“I’ve known the Cristobal family for 30 years recruiting and coaching both Mario and Luis,” Johnson said, via Go ‘Canes! On Twitter. “Mario has proven he’s a winner at the highest level. He brings energy and shown he’s an outstanding recruiter. The U can be excited to bring Mario home.”

Johnson also responded to the quote the Twitter page used with a brief message which read, “welcome home Mario.”

Mario Cristobal on family

With so many paths crossed, the connection Mario Cristobal and his family have with the University of Miami eclipses football. He described the impact and emotion the announcement had on those closest to him during his introductory press conference.

“Like national signing day a little bit,” Cristobal explained. “An explosion. My family is here, my brother, his wife, nephews, my goddaughter. Everybody is here.”

He continued: “It’s – you couldn’t imagine man – it’s difficult for me to say I’m 51, I’m 51-years old and yet as I walk here… the things that come back to mind as if it was just yesterday. It’s incredible. And it resonates, it’s that strong of an impression that it just never leaves you. So when that opportunity came up and it was gonna really happen, it was everything – tears, joy – just absolutely awesome.”

While talking about his family’s reaction, Marion Cristobal also revealed that one member still does not know. The touching information he shared makes for a great story on its own.

“My mom is close by at the hospital, she’s fighting,” Cristobal said. “So she’ll get the news when she’s ready for it. I don’t want her to cause more issues and have to have more care at the hospital when she knows.”

While he did not reveal specifics on his mom’s current condition or a timeline for when he plans to inform her of the move, it shows further how much Mario Cristobal’s presence in Miami means to his family and himself.