Mario Cristobal is a distinguished American college football coach currently serving as the head football coach for the University of Miami. His coaching journey began at the University of Miami as a graduate assistant from 1998 to 2000, where he honed his skills under head coach Butch Davis. He then transitioned to Rutgers University, serving as the tight ends and offensive line coach from 2001 to 2003, before returning to Miami in 2004 to take on the same roles under Larry Coker. His early coaching career laid a strong foundation for his future successes.

In 2006, Cristobal made history by becoming the second head coach in Florida International University’s (FIU) history and the first Cuban-American head coach in Division I-A. Despite a challenging start, he led the Golden Panthers to their first-ever bowl game in 2010, achieving a remarkable turnaround and establishing a reputation as an effective recruiter. His ability to attract talent was evident as he secured FIU’s first ESPN 150 player, showcasing his commitment to building a competitive program.

Cristobal’s career took a significant leap when he joined Alabama’s coaching staff in 2013, where he excelled as the assistant head coach and offensive line coach. Under his guidance, Alabama’s offensive line was recognized as the best in the nation in 2015, and he was named the National Recruiter of the Year by 247Sports. His recruiting prowess contributed to Alabama finishing with the top-ranked recruiting class in each of his four seasons.

In 2017, Cristobal became the head coach at the University of Oregon, where he led the Ducks to multiple successful seasons, including a Pac-12 Championship and a Rose Bowl victory. His return to Miami in 2021 marked a new chapter, where he continues to build on his legacy as a top-tier recruiter and coach, aiming to restore the Hurricanes to national prominence.