Ex-FIU Coach Eyes National Championship

Nineteen years after taking the helm at Florida International University (FIU), Mario Cristobal is poised to achieve a significant milestone. Following his dismissal from FIU in 2012 after five seasons, during which he led the program to an unprecedented Sun Belt championship in 2010, Cristobal's career took a turn towards historic redemption. His path saw him serve as an offensive line coach at Alabama, contributing to a national championship win, and later taking on a similar role at Oregon before returning to his alma mater, the University of Miami.

Cristobal's tenure at FIU, beginning in late 2006 at age 36, marked him as the first Cuban-American head coach in FBS history. He navigated the program through significant challenges, including NCAA penalties and limited infrastructure, personally overseeing academics, recruiting, and more. Despite achieving success with an 8-5 record in his fifth year and seeing a player drafted into the NFL, a 3-9 season in 2012 led to his firing.

Now, with the Hurricanes heading into a College Football Playoff title game, Cristobal has the chance to become the fourth head coach since World War II to win a national championship after being fired from a previous head coaching role. This potential achievement underscores his resilience and strategic vision, transforming a past setback into a platform for monumental success.