Report: Oregon has an ‘aggressive’ offer to keep Mario Cristobal in place
By John Buhler
The Oregon Ducks reportedly have an “aggressive” offer on the table to keep Mario Cristobal in Eugene.
As the Ducks get ready for the 2021 Pac-12 Championship game on Friday night vs. the Utah Utes, there seems to be a bidding war for Oregon football coach Mario Cristobal between his current place of employment and his alma mater, Miami.
Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reported the Hurricanes had interest in making a big offer for their former offensive lineman. This was backed up by several national college football reporters as well. On the Oregon side of things, John Canzano of The Oregonian reports the Ducks have a massive offer waiting for Cristobal. “It’s aggressive and in line with what we’ve seen this week.”
Yes, this supposed contract on the table would pay Cristobal Lincoln Riley or Brian Kelly money.
Mario Cristobal rumors: Oregon has a massive contract offer waiting for him
Cristobal is seen as a top-10 coach in the country. He has overseen the rise of Oregon football in the last few seasons. The Miami native had drawn interest from Florida, as well as his alma mater this season. When one of his mentors Nick Saban retires, Cristobal might be the top candidate to replace him in Tuscaloosa. Of course, Cristobal has an incredible thing going in leading the Ducks.
With Nike founder Phil Knight being an Oregon alum, the financial resources are limitless at the Pac-12 power. Though the Ducks have flourished in the Pac-12 with USC being down, the Trojans will not be down for much longer. They just poached Lincoln Riley away from Oklahoma. USC will be back to contending for conference championships within the next few years or so under Riley.
So what is Cristobal to do? Stay put and collect a massive check from Oregon or go back to Miami because his alma mater needs him? While an outsider can never fully appreciate one’s connection to their alma mater, Miami is in a world of chaos presently. They just fired their athletic director Blake James and Manny Diaz is still the head football coach. Oregon is considerably more stable.
Unless The Rock wants to go dollar for dollar with Knight, Cristobal should take the Ducks’ money.
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