Mario Cristobal sends strong message to Miami Hurricanes fans

Mario Cristobal is already firing up fans of the Miami Hurricanes. The new Miami head coach was just hired away from the Oregon Ducks, but he is hard at work already in trying to re-build Miami’s culture.

In his introductory press conference on Tuesday, Cristobal shared a strong message with Miami fans, saying that it is going to take everybody to get where they want to go.

“I really want the Hurricane nation, the U family, the University of Miami, everyone that’s ever touched it, been a part of it, went to school here, or is a fan, the community, around the country. We’ve got to bring this thing tight,” Cristobal said. “Everybody. We’ve got to bring it in tight and we’ve got to bring it. Because when the U is on and the U brings it, there’s nothing like it. We’ve got to get there and it’s going to take everybody. And I can’t wait.”

Cristobal knows all about Miami, as he spent his collegiate playing career as a Hurricane. He won two national championships while at Miami, one in 1989 and another in 1991. Cristobal was an offensive lineman at Miami from 1989 to 1992. If Cristobal wants to bring Miami back to where the program once was, he knows that he will need the support of each and every fan.

Cristobal’s comments have fired up Miami fans

Miami’s coaching search was not conducted well, as the Hurricanes were actively courting Cristobal while Manny Diaz was still under contract. The firing of Diaz was only made official yesterday, despite him still recruiting over the last week. Diaz slammed Miami in a lengthy statement on Monday afternoon.

Rebuilding the culture at Miami will not be a small task. It will take a great effort, and Cristobal believes that he is the man to do it. His experience at the school as a player will benefit him, as he already knows what it takes to win at the school. Getting back to the traditions and experiences that he had while a player at Miami only fueled his excitement to become the program’s next head coach.

“My family and I are excited to return home to the University of Miami, which has been so instrumental in shaping me as a person, player, and coach,” Cristobal said in a release announcing his hiring. “This program has an unparalleled tradition and an exciting future ahead of it. I can’t wait to compete for championships and help mold our student-athletes into leaders on and off the field who will make our University, our community, and our loyal fan base proud.”