Mario Cristobal carries Cuban parents’ lessons proudly
-
Xavier Andrade,
- January 14, 2026
Miami coach Mario Cristobal credits Cuban parents for his work ethic
Miami head coach Mario Cristobal will be the first to tell you that securing a chance at winning a national title didn’t just fall into the laps of the Hurricanes this season. It was a feat that had to be earned.
The “earned, not given” attitude is what Cristobal, the first Cuban American coach in FBS football, learned from his dad.
Luis Cristobal Sr., a Cuban immigrant, instilled that mindset in his sons Mario and Luis at a young age. Mario has carried that mentality with him throughout his football career.
“My dad, Luis Sr., hard-nosed, tough ass son of a gun,” Mario said Monday. “That’s what I know. And I’m forever grateful for him being hard on us and never gifted us anything. Made us work for everything. I thank God for that.”
When Mario’s parents, Luis Sr. and Clara Cristobal, immigrated to Miami from Cuba in the 1960s, they faced the hurdles of the immigrant experience. Through perseverance and a tireless work ethic, they established roots in Miami. Eventually, they sent two boys to the University of Miami on football scholarships.
‘Zero excuses’
“They worked two jobs. Went to night school, learned the language,” Mario Cristobal said of his parents. “They came from Cuba. Couldn’t ask for anything better in terms of parents.”
With a Cuban’s sense of pride, Cristobal described his parents as hard-nosed and tough.
“They made sure we understood the meaning of true work and to make absolutely zero excuses,” he added.
Mario Cristobal’s journey will come full circle during the College Football Playoff National Championship matchup against No. 1 Indiana and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, another Miami native, next Monday night.
MORE FROM OUR ESQUINA
Fernando Mendoza, Jacob Rodriguez, KC Concepcion lead 2025 Latino All-America team
Inspired by Zach Calzada, Fernando Mendoza passes torch
Texas A&M star KC Concepcion speaks with authority
The game will be played at Hard Rock Stadium, the Hurricanes’ home stadium. Miami will be the first school to play for a CFP national title at its home stadium. Hard Rock Stadium is only 21 miles away from Columbus High School, where Cristobal’s football journey began.
He still carries the experiences from his playing days at Columbus. Those memories were shared with a notable high school teammate, Fernando Mendoza Sr., a fellow Cuban American whose son is set to face Miami on Monday night.
Praise for Fernando Mendoza Sr.
“Certainly he was an excellent football player,” Mario Cristobal said of Fernando Mendoza Sr. “And (Mendoza) has become such a prominent member of the community down here in the medical field. … Certainly all the respect in the world for him and his family.”
Cristobal still has fond memories of his senior season at Columbus High with Mendoza Sr.
“We went 6-4,” Cristobal said. “We won the district (the) championship in a three-way tiebreaker. … Just an awesome time for Dade County football. Just awesome memories.”
With Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza Jr. leading Indiana under center in the National Championship, it marks another opportunity for the two to compete against each other. The last time the two met on the football field was in 2024.
Fernando Jr. was the quarterback at Cal. He almost led the Bears to an upset win against Cristobal’s then No. 13-ranked Miami. Despite last season’s win against Fernando Jr., Cristobal acknowledges that this isn’t the same quarterback he faced.
Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza awaits
“You see the player,” Cristobal said. “You saw the talent last year. The supporting cast wasn’t there yet. And they were a really good team, we thought. But this year, obviously, it’s a whole different level with where he’s at.
“He really has distinguished himself as the best football player in the country this year, and it’s not by accident. A lot of reps, a lot of hard work, a guy that’s been a complete difference-maker for their program.”
The matchup between Miami and Indiana will be more than a celebration of the Christopher Columbus High School brotherhood. It will be another opportunity for Latinos to shine in college football. With Fernando Mendoza leading Indiana against Cristobal’s Hurricanes, a Cuban American will become a national champion once it’s all said and done.
No Latino coach has won a football national title. Mendoza, the third Latino and first Cuban American, hopes to become the first Cuban American quarterback to lead his team to a national championship.
Xavier Andrade
Xavier Andrade, who played football at Luther College, graduated with degrees in Communications and Political Science. He previously worked in editorial and social media for Hola Cultura, a Latino publication in Washington, D.C. Andrade currently coaches football at Hillsdale High School in San Mateo, Calif.
Stay in the Loop
Get the Our Esquina Email Newsletter
By submitting your email, you are agreeing to receive additional communications and exclusive content from Our Esquina. You can unsubscribe at any time.