Report: Miami is 'making a run' at hiring Oregon coach Mario Cristobal

Despite not yet firing coach Manny Diaz or hiring a new athletic director, Miami is reportedly pursuing Oregon coach Mario Cristobal.

That’s per the Miami Herald’s Berry Jackson, who says the Hurricanes will “make a run” at hiring Cristobal in the coming days.

As UM makes a run at Mario Cristobal in coming days, there's this perspective today from Dolphins safety Jevon Holland, who played for him: "He's a hell of a coach, one of the best coaches I've had. As a recruiter, he's even better. You see that with the talent we get at Oregon."

— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) December 3, 2021

Cristobal, who played for Miami from 1989-1992, has led Oregon to the Pac-12 Championship. The Ducks will face Utah for a Rose Bowl berth on Friday night.

He’s in his fourth full season as Oregon’s head coach. He has an overall record of 35-12 and is generally considered to be one of the best coaches in the sport. Cristobal was also an assistant at Miami from 2004-06 and was a graduate assistant from 1998-2000.

However, this matter will be further complicated by the fact that Miami has not made an official decision yet on current coach Manny Diaz. He was expected to return next season, but the Hurricanes have reportedly had trouble getting organized.

According to a report from The Action Network’s Brett McMurphy, Miami’s search for a new athletic director has been “a mess.” Miami has more than 50 board of trustees and several big money donors who reportedly can’t agree on a course of action.

Miami parted ways with athletic director Blake James earlier this season. A timetable for hiring a replacement has not been given, although it’s possible a decision could be made soon.

Miami went 7-5 this season and will learn its bowl opponent this weekend. The Early Signing Period for the 2022 recruiting class begins on Dec. 15.