Mario Cristobal discusses redefining Miami swag for new era

Mario Cristobal made the surprise decision to leave his post as Oregon head coach for the same position in his hometown of Miami, hoping to bring swag back to the Hurricanes. After playing for the Hurricanes from 1989-92, he returned as an assistant coach on two occasions before taking the lead role this week.

During his appearance on ESPN’s College GameDay Saturday morning, Mario Cristobal spoke on Miami swag and the best way to bring it back.

“I think when people think about the flamboyant style, they think about the toughness, the physicality, the success they had on the field,” Cristobal told Kirk Herbstreit. “It was year after year of going to different places where teams were ranked No. 1 and walking out of there with a W. I’m not in any way, shape or form trying to Miami back to the ‘80’s or ‘90’s. I’m trying to bring everything to modern day and time. And it all starts with how you play the game. It has to look a certain way, it has to sound a certain way, it has to feel a certain way. And there’s no substitute for that.

“Swag is a byproduct of flat out kicking butt in everything you do. It starts in the trenches, and it filters out to the guys on the perimeter. It’s a mentality, it’s a way of life, it’s a DNA. It’s not a t-shirt you put on and off, it’s not a proclamation, it’s not a tweet, it’s not a slogan, it’s getting to work and taking care of business so it looks a certain way on the field on Saturdays.”

Mario Cristobal on Miami return

Cristobal reportedly signed a ten-year deal with a salary of around $8 million per season with Miami. He will also receive “significant investments” around him, including support staff, coaches, recruiting and facilities. Miami must pay Oregon roughly $9 million for Cristobal’s buyout.

The last week has been hectic for Cristobal in the midst of making this decision. But Cristobal said that when Miami presented him the opportunity to come back, it was one he couldn’t pass up. And he is ready to get to work right away.

“When something like this comes together, you can’t draw it up any better. So it’s emotional, there’s passion behind it, there’s drive, there’s energy, and there’s sense of urgency to get to work right away because you want to get started. Try putting all of those things into one with about 16 shots of Cuban coffee and two hours of sleep and that’s what you have.”

Cristobal played his college football at Miami from 1989 to 1992. He was an offensive lineman, and the Hurricanes won two national championships in 1989 and 1991 while he was in Miami.