Report: Mario Cristobal given deadline to accept Miami job while Manny Diaz's tenure hangs in balance

Miami has given Mario Cristobal a deadline of “mid-day” Monday to accept its head coaching job, according a report.

That’s per Sports Illustrated’s Ross Dellenger, who adds that Cristobal’s decision will impact both current coach Manny Diaz and athletic director candidate Dan Radakovich.

Mario Cristobal has a deadline of midday Monday to accept the UM job, sources tell @SInow. If he declines, Manny Diaz will be retained, as @flasportsbuzz reported.

Final decision on AD – where Dan Radakovich is top candidate – will be made after the coach situation is resolved.

— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) December 5, 2021

The implication seems to be that Radakovich will leave his post at Clemson to join Miami if Cristobal is willing to leave his job at Oregon. If not, another athletic director candidate will likely be chosen and Diaz will return to the Hurricanes in 2022.

Cristobal is a Miami alum and has been a target for the program throughout this process. Diaz just finished his third season with Miami and has an overall record of 19-15 at the helm. It’s his first head coaching job after he previously served as Miami’s defensive coordinator.

Cristobal is in his fifth season at Oregon. He has an overall record of 35-13 with the Ducks, including a pair of 10-win seasons. He’s known as an elite recruiter

Miami went 7-5 this season, but won four of its final six contests. The Hurricanes’ offense came alive in the second half of the season as quarterback Tyler Van Dyke threw for 300+ yards and 3+ touchdowns in six straight games.