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Mario Cristobal was paid a small fortune to coach the Miami Hurricanes in the 2022 season, his first with the program after taking over for Manny Diaz. Tax records revealed that total to come in at nearly $23M.
USA Today cites the payment as the “largest ever, single-year amount for an athletics department employee on a tax form by a private university.”
The report broke the payment down as best possible with the information at hand. The head coach’s base pay made up for $7.7M while another $14.9M was listed as “other reportable compensation.” A large chunk of that is believed to cover his buyout at Oregon, whom he spurned to return to his alma mater.
The Hurricanes got very little return on investment in that debut season, posting a losing record after entering with great aspirations.
Miami was just 5-7, including a loss to Middle Tennessee State in which the ‘Canes paid the Blue Raiders $1.5M to embarrass them on their home field.
Another regrettable expenditure!
While Mario Cristobal’s pay likely decreased in Year 2 with the program, he still remains one of the sport’s most highly paid leaders. With that in mind, his tenure thus far has been largely disappointing.
His Miami squads have posted a 12-13 overall record, most recently losing to Rutgers in the Pinstripe Bowl.
Cristobal’s coaching decisions have been criticized by both fans and media, with at least one major blunder costing his team a win against Georgia Tech last season.
The coach’s seat is getting hot, and this report of ridiculous pay likely won’t dim that flame heading into the 2024 season. Cristobal got off to a solid start this offseason by landing transfer QB Cam Ward in the portal, giving his offense an immediate boost moving forward.
Fans will be looking to see the team take strides on the field next year as Cristobal continues to cash checks.