Report: Oregon offers Mario Cristobal an extension amid Miami rumors

Rumors are swirling about Manny Diaz’s job security at Miami and whether Mario Cristobal will leave Oregon to replace him. A new report suggests Cristobal might have a tough decision to make down the road.

John Canzano of The Oregonian reports Oregon has offered Cristobal an “aggressive” new contract as things heat up about Cristobal coaching his alma mater. The report comes shortly after another report suggested Miami was working to make a run at Cristobal soon.

Source at Oregon confirms that University of Oregon has a contract extension offer in front of Mario Cristobal.

“It’s aggressive and in line with what we’ve seen this week,” per source.

Brian Kelly and Lincoln Riley dollars, I’m told.

Updated column: https://t.co/rscbXJEDr2

— John Canzano (@johncanzanobft) December 3, 2021

Canzano called the offer “Brian Kelly/Lincoln Riley money,” meaning it could be quite a payday. To put that into perspective, Kelly’s contract with LSU is worth $95 million plus incentives.

Miami coach Manny Diaz’s future has been in question for some time now, and rumors suggest the Hurricanes are interested in either Cristobal or Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin.

Cristobal, a Miami native, played played offensive tackle at Miami from 1989-92 before jumping into coaching. He started as a graduate assistant at his alma mater from 1998-2000 and returned as tight ends/offensive line coach from 2004-06. He’s been at Oregon since 2017, starting as co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach before being promoted to head coach in 2018.

This also comes after multiple reports said Miami’s search for a new athletic director is “a mess.”

Diaz still has his job as head football coach — at least, for now. But there’s a lot happening in Miami as the 7-5 Hurricanes get ready for a bowl game.

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

Miami has yet to fire head coach Manny Diaz, but the Hurricanes 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.