Mario Cristobal says everything is big setting Miami football culture

During ACC Kickoff on Thursday, head coach Mario Cristobal was asked if changing the Miami football culture was merely about changing habits, how long it takes to change a culture and if a new coach arriving is a sign of culture change. Cristobal responded that doing the little things is the beginning of culture change.

Cristobal believes his players showing up early shows a level of mental intensity. The Miami players will be expected to pay attention and be ready to do their jobs. Cristobal being hired by the Miami football program was in part to improve the discipline of the Hurricanes. Cristobal is a no-nonense football coach.

During the ACC Kickoff question and answer session, Cristobal stated that he has not seen a good football team without discipline. There are many things going on that are positive with the Miami football program according to Cristobal. The Miami football staff is providing a blueprint for expectations from the players.

Discipline from the Miami football players is expected in everything they do under Cristobal. Cristobal said Miami has an opportunity not a challenge for change. During the first offseason under Cristobal, the Miami players bought in quickly. Translating that to the season will be a challenge.

"“We’re real simple. I think these guys will echo that. We always hammer home how you do anything is how you do everything, and that early is on time. That’s got to be the most important factor in being successful and being productive.You’ve got to show up and showing up early also shows a level of mental intensity that something is important to you. What’s more disrespectful than showing up late? What’s more disrespectful than not paying attention to get ready to do your job? Something like that would show a lack of mental intensity.For us there really are no little things. If it’s a thing, it’s a thing, and things are important. They’re all big things. These guys, they’re made of the right stuff. They really are. Our job is to provide a blueprint that demands every ounce of everything they have.As it relates to academics, football, community service. Just doing the right things. It comes with discipline. Discipline, I’ve yet to see a good football team that didn’t have discipline. There are so many things that are going on that are really, really positive with our program.You know, people have asked about challenges and change this and change that. I don’t like to think of it that way. I like to think of it as opportunity. Miami has been an unbelievable program for a long time. We have an opportunity this year to get better and start elevating things to a certain standard as well.That’s the way we look at it. That’s the best way to honor the past. and that’s the best way to go forward. All our focus is on us right now and getting ready for camp to have the best season we can.”"

Cristobal hired an entirely new coaching staff except for tight ends coach Stephen Field. Among the new Miami coaches are co-defensive coordinators Kevin Steele and Charlie Strong who have headed their own programs at four different schools. Cristobal has multiple different perspectives to draw on.

New offensive coordinator Josh Gattis has not been a head coach but at 38 years old, far younger than Cristobal, Steele and Strong. Gattis won the Broyles Award as the best assistant coach in college football in 2021. The young Miami football players have multiple perspectives and highly regarded leadership to learn from.

Miami will enter training camp in August with several questions. Tyler Van Dyke returning for Miami at quarterback is a huge advantage and helps set the foundation for the 2022 season. Poor QB play can permeate an entire football program. Miami has question marks at several other positions.

Miami needs better play defensively, particularly at linebacker. Steele and Strong are expected to be able to upgrade the play at LB. Sophomores, tackle Leonard Taylor and safety James Williams and fourth-year junior Tyrique Stevenson will be the foundation for Miami on defense. Miami should be improved in 2022.