From Federal Service to Football: Mario Cristobal's Unexpected Journey
There was a period in Mario Cristobal's life when his future seemed to be moving away from sports and into serving the nation at a high level, perhaps even protecting a U.S. President during a significant football game.
Often, life presents us with strange instances of choice, and Cristobal encountered one such crossroad early in his career while at a university in Miami as an assistant to a graduate program.
After an illustrious stint playing for the Miami Hurricanes, which saw him lift a few championships, Cristobal had to make a crucial decision regarding his future. The question was whether he would follow in his father, grandfather, and brother's footsteps into law enforcement, or take the path less traveled by his family into college football coaching?
Choosing Between Two Career Paths
During 1998, Cristobal juggled his responsibilities as a graduate assistant at a Miami university with the rigorous process of joining the Secret Service. This process, which took over two years, involved extensive testing and comprehensive background checks.
"I've always considered working for the Federal Government," Cristobal confessed on a Sunday morning. "Every part of it appealed to me. My family has a history in law enforcement, teaching, and construction work. This is what we typically do. Arrive in this country, take on two jobs, and attend night school. Not me, but my parents, of course."
By the time his Miami team secured a spot in the bowl season, Cristobal had fulfilled all the requirements to join the Secret Service.
The Turning Point
How close was he to shifting careers?
After receiving the call from the Secret Service, Cristobal had already bid farewell to his friends and associates within the Miami Football program. He believed he was about to close the chapter of his life dedicated to football.
"I recall being at the Gator Bowl with several players," Cristobal recollected about the message he received. "Youngsters — Reggie Wayne, Santana Moss, Ed Reed. They were all novices back then. In those days, I didn't have a mobile phone, just a pager. The message was from a special agent, or more accurately, the assistant to the special agent, Secret Service Miami, inviting me to join them. That's when it hit me."
One night, alone in his small apartment, he anticipated his new career, following the family tradition. However, he felt a sudden realization that perhaps he was more passionate about coaching than law enforcement.
"I woke up in a state of anxiety. I love football; I've always loved it. I never really played for anyone else or wanted anything else — I just loved the game. I didn't want to let go of that opportunity," Cristobal confessed. "Thankfully, I was able to move my belongings back to my office at the Graduate Assistant program, where Davis Larry Coker welcomed me back and gave me a second chance."
A Decision Well Made
Reflecting on his decision to remain in coaching, the Miami Hurricanes' head coach appears content. After various roles at different locations, including being a head coach at FIU and Oregon, Cristobal will lead Miami onto the field on Monday night, hoping to secure a CFP championship for the team.
Interestingly, he could have been safeguarding a President on Monday night at Hard Rock Stadium. However, it seems things have turned out quite well for the Miami head coach after all.