In 2022, the Miami Hurricanes made a bold move, paying Mario Cristobal a record $80 million over 10 years, with hopes he would bring the program back to national prominence. Known for his recruiting prowess and hard-nosed approach, Cristobal was hired to fix a critical problem that had plagued the Hurricanes for years: inconsistency in performance and failure to compete at the highest level in the ACC.
When Cristobal took the reins, Miami fans were hopeful that his past success at Oregon would translate into a revival of the Hurricanes’ football glory. His reputation for developing talent and building physical teams gave the fanbase optimism that Miami would once again dominate the ACC and make deep postseason runs.
However, two years into his tenure, Miami is still struggling with the same issues that led to Cristobal’s hiring. The 2024 season has seen glimpses of potential, but inconsistency remains a glaring problem. The Hurricanes have faltered in key games, struggling to maintain momentum against top-tier opponents. Despite solid recruiting classes, the team has yet to find the consistent rhythm needed to challenge the upper echelon of college football.
The offensive line, a unit Cristobal was expected to revamp, has shown only marginal improvement, leaving Miami’s offense vulnerable. The defense, once the pride of the program, has also seen its share of ups and downs, unable to deliver consistently when it matters most.
While it’s too early to completely judge Cristobal’s tenure, Miami’s investment in him has yet to fully pay off. As the 2024 season progresses, the pressure will mount for Cristobal to solve the Hurricanes’ lingering problems and justify the record investment made in him.
