Top 10 candidates to replace Al Golden at Miami

Sep 20, 2014; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive line coach Mario Cristobal during the game against the Florida Gators at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Mario Cristobal – Alabama OL Coach, Former FIU Head Coach

Mario Cristobal won two national championships as a four-year letter winner on the Canes teams in the late 80s and early 90s and began his coaching career as a grad assistant in 1998-2000. He later went to Rutgers from 2001-2003 before returning to Miami to coach tight ends and later the offensive line before he was named the head coach at Florida International in 207.

Cristobal was the first Cuban-American head coach in college football history and after starting 1-11 in his first year, won seven and eight games in his third and four years with the Panthers and tied for the Sun Belt title in 2010. A 3-9 year would be his last as a head coach but he’s resurfaced as the offensive line coach at Alabama where he’s recruited exceptionally well and coached one of the best units in college football.

He knows the program, he knows the area, he can recruit, he can coach, he just needs the opportunity and Miami should give it to him and let him bring back some enthusiasm.

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