The University of Miami is pursuing Oregon coach Mario Cristobal to be its next head coach with offers clearing $8 million annually, according to multiple reports, despite still having a sitting head coach and no athletic director. However, these discussions are happening while sitting Miami coach Manny Diaz still has the job. Diaz has been out on the recruiting trail for most of the weekend, but Jackson reports Diaz did not get on a planned flight to visit a West Coast recruit as he awaits resolution.
Cristobal may have to give his answer soon. Sports Illustrated reports that Miami officials have given Cristobal a Monday deadline to decide if he will accept their offer.
Making matters more confounding, Cristobal was scheduled to join an Alamo Bowl media call Sunday. However, Alamo Bowl officials are disallowing media questions to shield Cristobal, instead opting for a bowl official to ask pre-screened questions.
The Herald earlier reported Miami is expected to ‘make a run’ at Cristobal while the Oregonian‘s John Canzano notes that Miami officials were hoping to speak to Cristobal after Friday’s Pac-12 Championship Game.
To cement its pitch to Cristobal, Canzano reports that Miami is targeting Clemson athletic director Dan Radakovich. However, CBS Sports’ Dennis Dodd reports that no decision had been made. Radakovich started his athletic administration career by getting an M.B.A. from Miami, but is best known for transforming Clemson into a national power after taking the job in 2012.
Oregon isn’t going down without a fight, however. Canzano reports the university has put together a monster contract extension, described as “Brian Kelly and Lincoln Riley dollars.” While Riley’s contract at USC is not public, Kelly’s deal…
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