Mario Cristobal offensive coordinator hiring conducted his way
When Mario Cristobal hired Lance Guidry earlier this week as the new defensive coordinator for the Miami football program he surprised almost everyone. Two weeks after Cristobal and Miami issued a statement Josh Gattis was fired as offensive coordinator the Hurricanes are still looking for his replacement.
Several names have emerged as the next Miami offensive coordinator. Mario Cristobal operates in his own way and on his own time. Some reports have indicated that Miami could have a new offensive coordinator by Monday. Cristobal has reportedly interviewed a few OC candidates over the last two weeks.
Former Dallas Cowboys quarterbacks coach Doug Nussmeier and Toledo head coach Jason Candle have reportedly interviewed with Miami. Former Clemson OC Brandon Streeter, Houston passing game coordinator Shannon Dawson and Texas A&M wide receivers coach James Coley have also been mentioned.
Guidry was hired less than 48 hours after his predecessor Kevin Steele left Miami to accept the defensive coordinator position at Alabama. In the short amount of time that the defensive coordinator position was open at Miami, Guidry was not a name that was mentioned anywhere.
Utah OC Andy Ludwig is reportedly emerging as a finalist for the same position at Notre Dame. Alabama hired former ND OC Tommy Rees. Miami could be the last major OC position open if ND hires Ludwig. Cristobal does not have a problem taking his time. Cristobal waited until February to hire Gattis and Steele in 2022.
There is a strong possibility that Cristobal has or will be interviewing an OC candidate that has not been speculated. Cristobal keeps information in his inner circle and operates in stealth. Getting these hires right is critical for Miami after inconsistency on defense and offense during the 2022 season.
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Miami needs a more cohesive coaching staff in 2023. In addition to OC, Miami also has openings at QB and WR coach. The expectation should be that the next Miami OC will coach QBs. Gattis coached WR in addition to his duties as OC. That arrangement was unusual and seems not likely for Gattis’ successor.