Who is Mario Cristobal and why was he fired from FIU?

Mario Cristobal is a college football coach who was fired from FIU in 2012 after a 3-9 season, despite previous successes.

Can Mario Cristobal win a national championship after being fired?

Yes, Cristobal could become the fourth coach to win a national championship after a previous head coaching dismissal.

What was Mario Cristobal's path after FIU before returning to Miami?

After FIU, Cristobal coached at Alabama and Oregon, winning a national title with the Crimson Tide.

Home / Sports / Ex-FIU Coach Eyes National Championship

Ex-FIU Coach Eyes National Championship

19 Jan

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Summary

Mario Cristobal was fired from FIU, aiming for a title.
He aims to be fourth coach fired then win national championship.
Cristobal worked at Alabama and Oregon before Miami return.

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.