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Cristobal departs Oregon, replaces Diaz at Miami

Abbie Parr / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Miami has hired former Oregon head coach Mario Cristobal as its new head coach, the school announced Monday.

The move comes after the Ducks announced earlier Monday that Cristobal was leaving Oregon to assume another head coaching position. The Hurricanes fired coach Manny Diaz earlier in the day.

Miami is adding Cristobal on a 10-year contract worth an average of $8 million per season, sources told Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.

The Hurricanes reportedly worked out final contract details with Cristobal on Sunday and gave him until midday Monday to accept the offer.

"My family and I are excited to return home to the University of Miami, which has been so instrumental in shaping me as a person, player, and coach," Cristobal said in a statement. "This program has an unparalleled tradition and an exciting future ahead of it."

Miami apparently planned to bring back Diaz for a fourth season if it couldn't land Cristobal.

"We are grateful to Coach Diaz for his many contributions to our campus community and to his native South Florida, and for the strong leadership and exemplary character he exhibited during his tenure at the university," said president Julio Frenk. "We wish him and his family the very best as they move forward."

Diaz accumulated a 21-15 record over his three years as head coach. He went 7-5 this season after winning five of six to finish the campaign and earning the team a Sun Bowl berth.

Cristobal produced a 35-13 record across four seasons at Oregon. He won two Pac-12 championships in 2019 and 2020 and was named the conference's Coach of the Year in 2019.

The Ducks won 10 contests this season, but their strong campaign was marred by a blowout loss to Utah in Friday's title game.

"We appreciate all of Mario's accomplishments and hard work here at Oregon, and we wish him and his family all the best in their next chapter," Ducks athletic director Rob Mullens said in a statement.

The 51-year-old Cristobal previously played offensive tackle at Miami from 1989-92 and began his coaching career at the school from 1998-2000.

Miami reportedly hopes to pair Cristobal with Clemson athletic director Dan Radakovich.

Oregon has not named an interim coach ahead of its matchup against Oklahoma in the Alamo Bowl on Dec. 29.

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