Mario Cristobal explains reasoning behind decision to leave Oregon for Miami

Mario Cristobal shocked many in the college football world when he opted to leave the Oregon Ducks to accept the head coaching job for the Miami Hurricanes.

Earlier this week, Cristobal joined Paul Finebaum to explain the rationale behind the decision.

“Honestly, Paul, it was the most difficult decision I’ve ever had to make,” Cristobal said. “It was grueling, it was very suddenly put on our family. It was difficult, but at the same time, a tremendous blessing. The x-factor being, more than it just being home, this is actually where I played. I wore this helmet, I wore this uniform. I have blood in this one, you know.

Mario Cristobal pointed out how he and his staff quickly turned the Oregon program around. They plan to do the same in Coral Gables.

“On top of that, we’ve got to feel good about the fact that when we arrived at Oregon, Oregon was 4-8,” the new Hurricanes’ coach added.

“And upon leaving, you’re looking at a team that has gone to 3-straight conference titles, won two of them. Won a Rose Bowl, 3-straight top ten picks. They are sitting on the most talent they have ever had there, so, it’s been left in a great place. They treated us great there. We are super grateful and thankful, but all focus is on Miami. We know what Miami is and why Miami does it right, so we are excited.”

Cristobal rounding out coaching staff at Miami

Former Oregon assistant Alex Mirabal has officially joined Mario Cristobal’s Miami staff as the offensive line coach and assistant head coach, according to a press release. The potential move was first brought up by On3’s Justin Hopkins in early December when multiple Oregon assistants received offers from their former boss.

Like Mario Cristobal, Alex Mirabal is a Miami native and played high school football alongside his boss. He has been on every staff built by the new Miami hire since he took his first head coaching job at FIU in 2007.

Mirabal helped build the Oregon offensive line into one of the best in the country over his tenure, including the development of 2021 first round draft pick Penei Sewell over three seasons with the Ducks. He has also been recognized as a top recruiter in country.

Mario Cristobal on Alex Mirabal

Within the press release, new Miami head coach Mario Cristobal provided a statement on the hire and reunion with Alex Mirabal in their hometown.                                                                                                      

“I couldn’t be more excited to welcome Coach Mirabal back home,” Cristobal said in the press release. “From Outland Trophy winners to All-Americans to all-conference players, Coach Mirabal has a reputation as the best offensive line coach in the country and one who is elite at talent development. He also has a track record as one of the very top recruiters in the nation.

“I know Coach Mirabal is excited to return to his roots in Miami and I know he will make a tremendous impact on the physicality our offense and the culture of the Miami Hurricanes program as a whole.”

Mirabal also released a statement on his excitement to join the staff and return home.

“It’s a blessing to be back home,” Mirabal said. “My job is to make these guys understand that it’s a privilege and an honor to coach here, and it’s a privilege and honor to play here. We have to make sure that those men who came before us are proud of how we’re carrying ourselves. It always starts at the front, on the offensive and defensive lines. The program here has traditionally been tremendous along both lines of scrimmage, and it’s our job to uphold that tradition.”