Mario Cristobal Earns Prestigious Honor Ahead of Louisville Showdown
In a notable recognition, Miami coach Mario Cristobal has been included in the 2025 Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Award watch list. This honor, part of the American Heart Association’s annual awards, acknowledges coaches for exemplary leadership and integrity. The announcement, made on October 15, highlights 28 distinguished FBS head coaches.
Cristobal’s Impressive Season with Miami
Cristobal’s Miami Hurricanes have achieved an impressive 5-0 start. This performance marks their best ranking since 2017, currently positioned at No. 2 nationally. Miami’s victories include triumphs over three ranked opponents:
- Notre Dame: 27–24
- South Florida: 49–12
- Florida State: 28–22
Additionally, they decisively defeated Florida, 26–7. The team has a strong cumulative score margin, outscoring opponents 175–68.
Upcoming Contests and Playoff Prospects
As the season progresses, Miami aims to bolster Cristobal’s candidacy. Their upcoming schedule includes a significant matchup against Louisville this Friday at 7 p.m. ET. Following that, they will face opponents such as Stanford, SMU, Syracuse, and NC State. The season will conclude with challenging away games against Virginia Tech and Pittsburgh. A successful run could secure a path to Charlotte and the College Football Playoff.
2025 Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Watch List
| Name | Team | Conference |
|---|---|---|
| Bret Bielema | Illinois | Big Ten |
| Curt Cignetti | Indiana | Big Ten |
| Mario Cristobal | Miami | ACC |
| Ryan Day | Ohio State | Big Ten |
| Kalen DeBoer | Alabama | SEC |
| Eliah Drinkwitz | Missouri | SEC |
| Tony Elliott | Virginia | ACC |
| Mike Elko | Texas A&M | SEC |
| Matt Entz | Fresno State | Mountain West |
| Willie Fritz | Houston | Big 12 |
| Alex Golesh | South Florida | American |
The Paul “Bear” Bryant Awards seeks to honor coaching excellence while supporting health initiatives. The Coach of the Year will be revealed on January 21, 2026, during a Houston ceremony, and it will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network. Emegypt will continue to follow this prestigious award and Cristobal’s progress as the season unfolds.
