Report: Miami plans to make run at top target, Manny Diaz remains head coach for now

Miami has yet to fire head coach Manny Diaz, but they might have their eyes on a new coach already.

The Hurricanes are reportedly looking to hire Oregon head coach Mario Cristobal in the coming days. The news was first reported by Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.

“Cristobal’s level of interest remains unclear,” Jackson added. “Some associates believe would strongly consider, others believe content at Oregon.”

The Oregon leader has previously denied he would leave Eugene for another destination.

Cristobal is a Miami native and graduate of the school, and his first head coaching job was at Florida International from 2007-2012. He has a 62-59 record over 11 years as a head coach, including a 35-12 record at Oregon.

Of note is the fact that Miami has yet to replace athletic director Blake James. They parted ways with James on Nov. 15.

The Hurricanes finished the regular season 7-5, so they are bowl eligible. Potential bowl destinations include the Sun Bowl in El Paso and the Duke’s Mayo Bowl in Charlotte, among others.

Coaching rumors swirling around Ducks program

Cristobal’s Ducks will play in the Pac-12 championship against Utah on Friday night. They are 10-2 and looking to make another Rose Bowl appearance in January, so their season is far from over.

Cristobal has needed to keep his players focused to try to finish out the season with 12 wins, especially after the 38-7 throttling they suffered at the hands of Utah last weekend. During his Monday press conference, he was asked how he accomplishes that feat.

“I think it’s been the nature of the sport since forever,” Cristobal said. “I think the noise comes at a million miles per hour. You’re just always upfront and honest with [players].

“You always tell them exactly like it is. If there’s ever anything that does come up, you go to them and you tell them. When there’s nothing to report, you make sure to tell them there’s nothing to report. It’s that simple.”

Cristobal is not the only coach in Eugene who is highly coveted elsewhere. Akron is reportedly targeting Oregon offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead as their next head coach. Moorhead was an offensive assistant at Akron from 2004-2008.