Mario Cristobal explains why leaving Oregon was difficult decision

Mario Cristobal made one of the biggest decisions in college football when he decided to leave Oregon to return home to Miami. Now, the Hurricanes are looking to enter a new, more successful era with Cristobal leading the helm.

As for Oregon, they tabbed Georgia defensive coordinator Dan Lanning to replace Cristobal. In an appearance on The Paul Finebaum Show, Cristobal explained why the decision to leave Oregon was so agonizing.

“It really is,” Cristobal responded, when asked if it was difficult to leave behind so many great players at Oregon. “It really is. You look at — it’s by far, by far the most talented team in the Pac-12. In-fact, the most talent they’ve ever had. And its young talent. Talent that have played. Great human beings and great, great people.

“It took a lot to recruit those classes and get them there. It’s more difficult to get to all the way out there. But again, sometimes you just have to realize you’ve done the very best for, and by the people there. We certainly have. Honestly, they’re going to do great. They’re going to do great. The culture was left in a strong position, the guys are really well trained. They have a lot of experience.”

The move was difficult, but Cristobal left Oregon in great shape. Now, he’ll look to change the culture to a winning one with the Hurricanes.

Cristobal: ‘I’m just fired up beyond words.’

Continuing, Cristobal had nothing but positive things to say about the Oregon program. However, it came down to the place where he spent the beginning of his football career as the deciding factor in his decision.

“I have young kids so them picking up and leaving their friends at school — that’s difficult. The friends, the relationships made, the people, how good the administration was to me — was absolutely agonizing,” stated Cristobal. “But I think everyone has to understand at the end of the day, this is where I actually played football. This is where — I have seven zippers on my body, eleven zippers, however many I have from having played football here.

“So, it’s been a whirlwind of a month, but things are really rolling fast. I’m just fired up beyond words.”

Mario Cristobal built a foundation at Oregon. Still, home is home. Now, he’ll attempt to do the same for the Miami Hurricanes moving forward.