Hour 1: Mario Cristobal, Miami HC

Summary

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The Paul Finebaum Show — Hour 1: Mario Cristobal, Miami HC

Date: August 10, 2026
Host: Paul Finebaum (ESPN, College Football)
Featured Guest: Mario Cristobal (Miami Head Coach)
Special Contributor: John Talty (CBS Sports)

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Episode Overview

This episode takes listeners through the pulse of SEC and national college football as the season approaches, blending breaking news, expert analysis, and candid fan calls. Major discussion points include ongoing playoff expansion debates, the status of college athletics federal legislation, Lane Kiffin’s high-profile move to LSU, Alabama’s new era, and a deep, insightful interview with Miami head coach Mario Cristobal fresh off a championship game appearance.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. College Football Headlines and Playoff Expansion

• SEC Teams on the Rise: Paul highlights how Florida’s QB duo is contributing to optimism for the Gators (00:45).
• Playoff Expansion Talk: Multiple formats are floating — from 12 to 20 to even 24 teams, with uncertainty about the best structure. “One thing’s for sure, probably is not going to stay at 12.” (01:18)
• Federal Legislation Stalled: The Protect College Sports Act was not advanced by the Senate as many had hoped, leaving conferences in limbo. (01:57)

2. John Talty (CBS Sports) Analysis

a) Federal Legislation Update

• Ongoing delays and bipartisan detractors mean the much-anticipated federal NIL/bill is stuck, with potential for a September vote, but “otherwise, we’re just [headed for] another year where same headaches, same frustrations are still there.” (02:20)
• Conferences, especially SEC/Big Ten, may need to forge their own path if federal solutions fail.

b) Lane Kiffin at LSU Saga

• Kiffin’s Offseason: Lane’s move to LSU and the construction of a nearly unrivaled roster—possibly the most expensive in college football—bring huge expectations.
• Quote: “He’s the most interesting guy in college sports and I don’t think that’s even really in question.” (04:08)
• The Vanity Fair story about Kiffin “landed like a bomb... people who maybe previously were willing to defend him... that changed after that story came out.” (05:44)
• Kiffin has intentionally kept a low profile since, “trying to get to the football season without any missteps.” (07:00)

c) Alabama’s New Era with Kalen DeBoer

• Positive buzz surrounds QB Keon Russell, who is expected by many insiders to win the starting job.
• However, Alabama is “starting outside the top 10 for the first time since 2008”—a testament to the uncertainty in the post-Saban era. (07:42)
• “This is a team that I think has to prove it a bit, especially early on... not automatically believing.” (08:16)

d) Georgia & Texas as SEC Favorites

• Georgia: Projected to play an “old school” style: run-heavy, strong defense, less reliance on vertical passing.
• Texas: “There’s some people who are doubters right now who have seen [Arch Manning] recently.” (09:39)
• Both are touted as contenders, but Texas’s hype is met with skepticism until proven on the field.

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Notable Quotes from John Talty

• “The long desired federal solution has not come... same headaches, same frustrations are still there.” (02:20)
• “Vanity Fair is really where there was a misstep... it was damaging to him in a number of ways.” (05:44)
• “Keon Russell... has that kind of elite talent ceiling.” (07:42)
• “There’s some people who are doubters right now who have seen [Arch] recently.” (09:39)

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3. Fan Calls: Focus on Alabama’s Coaching Expectations

• Caller Kyle/Alex: Asks about the expectations for Kalen DeBoer’s job security at Alabama. Paul underscores: “A 6-6 record is not acceptable at Alabama. The odds of surviving something like that in today’s world is very difficult.” (13:09)
• The only opinions that matter for a coach’s job are from university leadership and major boosters—not everyday fans. (13:47, 15:28)
• Comparison to Jimbo Fisher’s huge buyout: “That’s just to get to square one, where then you have to go out and spend an equal amount … or perhaps more” for a new coach. (15:52)

Notable Quotes

• Paul Finebaum: “Right now I don’t think Kalen DeBoer feels any pressure, and there’s probably no reason why he should.” (13:47)
• “After two seasons, he hasn’t really... we can pick at him ... but that’s only when you’re putting him up against a standard that Alabama fans expect.” (16:52)

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4. Caller Conversations: Fandom and Identity

• Charlie in Mississippi: Laughs about SEC fans’ tendency to discuss firing coaches early. “No matter when the tee off is, we’re always talking about firing a coach.” (17:32)
• Paul encourages Charlie to return to rooting for Mississippi State given new energy with coach Jeff Lebby. “I think Jeff Lebby’s done a pretty nice job of turning that program into what I think could be at least legitimate for the first time in a long time.” (19:32)
• Callers discuss the shifting loyalties and difficulties of SEC fandom, and the necessity for programs to regularly reinvent themselves.

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Featured Interview: Mario Cristobal, Head Coach, Miami Hurricanes

Segment Start: 21:48

Main Themes:

• Appreciation for the journey: Mario Cristobal thanks Paul for doubting him, joking: “Yeah, you were a skeptic one, so I owe you a headlock.” (22:26)
• Process and Patience in Program-Building:
  • “I love ball. I love football, man. Can’t live without it... you can’t skip certain steps.” (23:04)
  • Emphasizes total program overhaul was critical: “We had to flip the roster and we had to get the right people in the building at the coaching level, the analyst level, development, academics... a complete overhaul.” (24:00)
• Breakthrough Win versus Notre Dame:
  • “It helped us become battle tested early in the season... took some lumps along the way, but it helped us get better.” (25:14)
• Playoff Gauntlet and Philosophy:
  • On their playoff road: “We felt that we had built a roster and a team that was capable of ... winning the rock fight and winning a shootout.” (26:22)
  • On the playoff system: “It still has to be settled on the field... We have to get away from making football a pageant.” (27:25)
• Quarterback Turnover and the Transfer Portal:
  • “It’s adapt or die. It’s that simple... It seems like there’s a curveball around every corner, and if you don’t make an adjustment ... it ain’t going to work.” (28:33)
• Coming Home to Miami:
  • “I also feel indebted to Miami, Paul... there’s a lot of positive anger, man. There really is. We’re very driven. We’re not externally motivated at all.” (29:57)
  • On the program’s progress: “We’re going to keep improving, we’re going to keep elevating and honestly, waking up knowing that it’s here where I had a chance to play, was born and raised—it’s awesome.” (30:56)
• Closing Sendoff:
  • “Go Canes.” (31:06)

Memorable Exchange:

• Paul: “You kept telling a number of people… we are close, we are going to get it done... you came mighty close. Congratulations.” (21:48)
• Cristobal: “Yeah, you were a skeptic one, so I owe you a headlock.” (22:26)

Key Timestamps:

• [22:26] – Cristobal on overcoming skepticism and building Miami the right way
• [24:00] – On overhauling the program for modern college football
• [25:14] – Importance of the breakthrough Notre Dame win
• [27:25] – Philosophy on playoff selection and settling results on the field
• [28:33] – Adapting to transfer portal realities
• [29:57] – Personal meaning of returning to Miami and “positive anger” as a motivator

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5. Additional Noteworthy Segments

• Fan Advice: A caller asks Paul for real-life advice on entering college, leading to Finebaum’s honest, relatable guidance: “Be willing to be flexible. Be bold... don’t change your mind every five minutes, but ... be willing to do it.” (37:41)
• Auburn’s Outlook: Paul thinks Auburn is still building but could “wreck somebody’s season” given their tough schedule. (40:21)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Paul Finebaum on Fan Pressure:
  “It’s a little bit like politics where the middle decides who the next president’s going to be. It’s not the extreme right or left.” (18:17)

• Mario Cristobal’s Philosophy:
  “With all these changes going on, Paul, it’s adapt or die. It’s that simple.” (28:33)

• On Returning to Miami:
  “I also feel indebted to Miami, Paul.... We’re not externally motivated at all. We want to get better... we have to just shut our mouths, go to work, and keep just pouring every ounce into these players, this program, our people.” (29:57)

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Summary Table of Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | Speaker(s) | Key Point | |-----------|----------------------------------------------|-------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:45 | SEC/CFB headlines & playoff expansion | Paul Finebaum | Uncertainty and debate over playoff formats | | 02:20 | Legislation update | John Talty | Federal NIL/athletics bill delayed, prospects dim | | 04:08 | Lane Kiffin to LSU | John Talty | Most expensive roster, high expectations | | 07:42 | Alabama QB/roster forecast | John Talty | Keon Russell buzz, Alabama as an underdog | | 09:39 | Georgia/Texas predictions | John Talty | Georgia’s style shift, doubts about Arch Manning | | 13:09 | Bama fan expectations | Finebaum/Callers | A “6-6 record not acceptable” | | 22:26 | Mario Cristobal interview begins | Finebaum/Cristobal| Process, rebuilding, and results at Miami | | 24:00 | Roster overhaul | Cristobal | “Had to flip the roster and get the right people” | | 25:14 | Impact of Notre Dame win | Cristobal | Battle-testing and momentum | | 27:25 | Playoff philosophy | Cristobal | “Has to be settled on the field” | | 28:33 | Transfer portal adaptation | Cristobal | “Adapt or die... find a solution” | | 29:57 | On Miami’s pull, gratitude, and mission | Cristobal | “I feel indebted to Miami... pouring every ounce in” | | 37:41 | College advice to student caller | Finebaum | “Be bold and be willing to do it [change direction]” | | 40:21 | Auburn’s 2026 outlook | Finebaum | “Can really wreck somebody’s season” |

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Final Takeaway

“Adapt or die” is the unifying mantra across all this hour’s stories, from Mario Cristobal’s program rebuilding at Miami to Lane Kiffin’s high-wire act, Alabama’s post-Saban proving ground, and the ever-shifting ground of college football’s policy and playoff landscape. Finebaum brings fans and experts together with irreverence, candor, and connection, offering both an inside look and practical, big-picture perspective on the college football world as the new season nears.

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Transcript

[Paul Feinbaum]

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[Podcast Announcer]

The pride, passion and pageantry of college football lives here. This is the Paul Feinbaum show, our 1 podcast.

[Paul Feinbaum]

This might be college football, and it is Monday and we appreciate all you being here. Great to have you from the weekend. A new week has arrived and we're inching closer to the beginning of the season. We'll get to all of that coming up here. First, some headlines since we have last seen you and how Florida football two big quarterbacks have bonded this season. Kevin Brockway writing about that. And certainly the Gators are trending up according to just about everybody. Speaking of moving up, how about the College Football Playoff? There's talk of a 2014 playoff. What is it worth? We'll get into that a little bit later on. And just as you thought, we were about to go from 12 to 24. Heather Dennis reporting. What about 20? How does that work? Maybe some playing games. One thing's for sure, probably is not going to stay at 12. And while you were sleeping early Saturday morning, the United States Senate recessed without passing the Protect College Sports Act. A lot of people thought it might be able to sneak in there. Didn't happen. I know. John Taulty covering that story, among others. John, good afternoon. Tell us, what is the current state of this bill that many people thought would already have moved on to the House?

[John Talty]

Quite an odyssey, really. I mean, this has been seven years in the making and we still haven't gotten to a formal vote. So there was optimism, I think, especially when the big tenant SEC finally got on board with supporting the bill. Remember talking to Eric Schmidt, Senator, one of the co sponsors last week that felt like we might get 80 votes, 80 days on this thing. And he felt like they'd be able to get that by Thursday, Friday, Saturday, of course, that ends up not happening. I think partly that's because of how long it took to get the SEC and Big Ten involved. But also there's still detractors to this bill on both sides of the aisle. We've seen people Republicans and Democrats who kind of came in late with some of their objections, which I think slowed its momentum. So here we are entering another football season. The long desired federal solution has not come. We're potentially going to get a vote in mid September. Maybe that's what the hope is, but we'll see at that point. Otherwise we're just head another year where same headaches, same frustrations are still there. And I think one of the interesting things is if this does not happen again September, where do the Big Ten and the SEC and other powerful conferences go next if this federal solution just is not there?

[Paul Feinbaum]

John taught you with us from CBS Sports. And John, since we have spoken to you last, you revealed that you have a book coming out about Lane Kiffin in a few weeks. That certainly the Kiffin story has been the story of the off season. Not to get too deep into the book, but tell us a little bit about what to expect from Lane Kiffin this season as they will be on center stage week one.

[John Talty]

Yeah, I mean he's the most interesting guy in college sports and I don't think that's even really in question from all that he has done. All that is still to come, certainly the way that he left Ole Miss going to lsu, picking LSU over Florida at Ole Miss. The roster that they put together very quite possibly is the most expensive roster in college football, if not number one. It's very close to it. So there's a lot of pressure, there's a lot of attention. And like you said, it starts week one against Clemson. Obviously a lot of us have our eyes against that Ole Miss game at Oxford, what that return looks like. I guess you'll probably be there. I know that I'll be there. That's quite possibly one of the most anticipated and hyped up games, early season games that I can remember. So there's just a lot there going on with Lane know with this upcoming season. And I think a lot of people are very curious. How does year one look they have invested to be a playoff team. I think Lane has tried to tamp down some of the pressure and expectations. But you, you fire Brian Kelly and you give him this amount of money to spend on the roster to make the playoff and we'll see what that looks like. But it obviously starts week one against Clemson and then, you know, week three against Ole Miss. Two crucial games in the early season of the Lane Kiffin experiment at lsu.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Obviously you paid a lot of attention to Lane Kiffin like we all have, but you probably a little bit more Just what would your observation be about a rather quiet off season since that Vanity Fair article came out.

[John Talty]

Intentional? I think that's, I think part of it. You know, Wayne has been able to, had a lot of success, you know, with his social media presence, which we have have not seen since that, you know, that article. I think he's been able to mostly, you know, control the narrative or the message as best he can through the media. And I think Vanity Fair is really where there was a misstep. Obviously, you know, it's been debated and talked about, but there's, you know, one of the areas where I feel like he has even realized since I think that maybe I shouldn't have said it that way and it's kind of walked it back a little bit. But I'll tell you, Paul, like I was in Oxford that week when the Vanity Fair story dropped. I was there working on the book and it landed like a bomb in that, in that town. And I can tell you, people who maybe previously were willing to defend him or previously did not want to talk to me because, hey, we're just going to let, you know, let things sit, let, you know, sleeping dogs lie. That changed after that story came out and there was a lot of upset feelings and people who are willing to maybe share their experiences with Wayne in a way they would not have before that Vanny Fair story came out. So I think it was, was damaging to him in a number of ways. And I think that's why you've seen him try to take a step back, be quieter. It just honestly it feels like he's just trying to get to the football season without any missteps. After that Vanny Fair story just exploded

[Paul Feinbaum]

the way that it did talking to John Tati. John, you once covered Alabama. Let me ask you about the upcoming season for Kaylon Deborah. We still don't know yet, or at least we don't think we know who the quarterback is going to be. How would you characterize his post season since the Rose bowl, the lead up and what is ahead for, for him?

[John Talty]

Yeah, I mean, it's a crucial decision coming up with the, with the quarterback especially. And I can tell you I was in Nashville for a symposium of a lot of the top college football GMs, personal executives, a lot of agents, other people there. And there's a lot of positive buzz right now around Keon Russell, a lot of positive hype emanating out of Tuscaloosa. He had an up and down spring at times, but he is the guy when you talk to, you know, rival executives that have watched him, you know, seen him at different places, they're like, this is the guy. This is the guy who has that kind of elite talent ceiling. So that'll be interesting to see how, you know, Caleb DeBoer manages that right now. I think people would assess the quarterback battle is pretty close. But again, people that I've talked to around college football still feel like Keelan will ultimately win out there. Again, we'll see that the next couple of weeks. But it's interesting, Paul, because I feel like we've maybe we've had discussion in the past, but it doesn't feel like there's a lot of buzz around this team, certainly not nationally. I mean, obviously I live in Alabama and people are always asking me about how you think Alabama is going to be this year and what's going on with that. But you look at them, you know, coaches fall, starting outside the top 10 for the first time, I think since 2008, just doesn't feel like nationally people are viewing them as, you know, a lock to make the playoff. And so this is a team that I think has to prove it a bit, especially early on. A year ago we saw them not be able to do that against Florida State. So they got, there's more of, let me see it. Versus automatically believing in it the way that we would, of course, when Nick Saban was there. When you just assume they're going to, you know, roll through the sec. I don't think people feel that same way about Alabama under Kalyn DeBoer. So it's going to have to prove it early on and of course there'll be some opportunities to do that.

[Paul Feinbaum]

And finally, everyone seems to think this league will be determined by Georgia and Texas. Georgia not getting a lot of buzz. Texas is getting the buzz primarily because of all the incoming transfers and Arch Manning. Where are you on that?

[John Talty]

Yeah, so I was talking to kind of similar, talking to personnel people like, who do you think is the best team in the sec? And those are the two ones that got a lot of discussion. I think that Georgia will be interesting because I think you're going to see a more of an old school Georgia team and what they're going to be more run heavy, strong defense like kind of like those, maybe those almost old school Alabama teams where they're not going to ask Gunner Stockton to do that that much. Certainly not in their vertical passing game downfield. So I like Georgia a lot. I think they're a good, tough team. Texas, I'm in a little bit of like, I want to see it, you know, like we know what they did offseason wise. They went out and got guys like Cam Coleman, who had that unbelievable catch in practice the other day. They have a lot of talent on that roster. But, you know, we haven't quite seen it. Certainly didn't last year. And I will tell you, Paul, and this might not be what you want to hear, but I heard some mixed things about Arch this offseason and how he looks and, you know, where his improvements have been. There's some people who are doubters right now who have seen him recently, some of the people that I've talked to. So I'm kind of keeping an eye on that. But, you know, we'll get a great early season challenge week two. We'll see how they look against Ohio State and whether Architecture has improved from what we saw a year ago, which was obviously not his best performance.

[Paul Feinbaum]

John Talty joining us. We really appreciate it, John. Thank you. John Talty from CBS Sports. As we begin the program here on a Monday afternoon, we're 20 minutes away from talking to somebody who made it to the championship game last year. Mario Cristobal joins us from the University of Miami. And we are coming right back.

[John Talty]

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[John Talty]

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[Paul Feinbaum]

show podcast Catch Part one tonight, talking season with the guys. Let's get back to the calls here at 855-242-7285. And Kyle starts it off for us. Good afternoon, Kyle.

[Caller Kyle/Alex]

Paul, good afternoon. How are you?

[Paul Feinbaum]

We are doing great. Thank you.

[Caller Kyle/Alex]

Paul Realistically what expectation would you say or what would you say Alabama has to do at the very least to retain deboer for another season? I'm saying if they went, like, missed the playoffs and went six and six, do you think he would survive and still be the head coach going into next season?

[Paul Feinbaum]

I don't know many coaches at a prominent school like Alabama that would survive a scenario like that. While I think it's.

[Caller Kyle/Alex]

You've been in Alabama for your cover in Alabama almost your whole life and you know what, what the job means to the people here in the state of Alabama. So just to thank. Barely got to the playoffs last year, had a big bad showing out in California, and just to say maybe half or more of the people in the state of Alabama just don't get a good Bob from Coach DeBoer.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Let me explain that. Let me explain the vibe, though. And this is. I don't like saying what I'm about to say because this show is for everyone and you don't have to show your card to get in here. Everybody is welcome. However, I said that for a specific reason. While you could do a poll and maybe a lot of people polled would not be enthusiastic about Kaylin DeBoer, the people that matter most are behind DeBoer. And the people that matter most are obviously the president of the university, the athletic director, people that are on the board of trustees and significant boosters. So it's a little bit of a strange scenario because right now I don't think Kayewin DeBoer feels any pressure, and there's probably no reason why he should. Now, if you. If you walk out on the streets of any community in this state, you're liable to get people objecting to what they see and hear. And while I think everybody ought to be heard, and we try to make sure everybody is heard here, those people are not going to be listened to at the highest towers of Alabama football unless the situation became untenable. And you described a 6 and 6 record that's not acceptable at Alabama. The odds of surviving something like that in today's world is very difficult. But it would take great. It would take a lot of people to want to make a change for the school to be able to come up with the money to get rid of him.

[Caller Kyle/Alex]

Yes, sir. And I was on here last week and I'm predicting Alabama to be under the radar, possibly to win the SEC and be one of the top two or three seeds going into the playoffs. But I just want to just put that on the record. If it Heads south and it's seven and five or six and six. Me personally, I don't think he would survive.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Yeah, I mean, Kyle, I can't. I try to be real. And the only point of reference that I have is Jimbo Fischer at A and M. Before the season, there was no way he was going to lose his job because there was no way the university would have come up with $76 million. And what people sometimes fail to think about when you buy out a coach, that's just, that's just to get to square one, where then you have to go out and spend an equal amount of money or perhaps more to bring in the next coach. And Alabama is not a school where you're going to name some interim coach like Sharon Moore for two years. I mean, if, if Kayla and the board does not survive, I mean, I, I mean, if you said to me, are you. What would you. Where would you put your own money? My money is on Kaylan deboer surviving at Alabama.

[Caller Kyle/Alex]

Paul, mine is to roll Tide and let's do it.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Thank you very much. Yeah, it's. It's really an interesting situation because I, I think right now DeBoer still commands a lot of respect and support. I mean, he's the Alabama football coach. After two seasons, he hasn't really. Yeah, we can pick at him and I have. I'm not trying to act like I haven't, but that's only when you're putting him up against a standard that Alabama fans expect. Let's check in with Charlie in Mississippi. Hello, Charlie.

[Caller Charlie]

Hey, Paul. Man, it's been a long time, about mid season last year since I talked to you.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Well, it's great to hear from you. How's your family doing?

[Caller Charlie]

They're fantastic. Everybody's doing well. A little early in the season to be talking about firing coaches, but the fan base seems to always, no matter when the tee off is, we're always talking about firing a coach.

[Paul Feinbaum]

No, I mean, you know, I understand the questions, but I think the odds of, in Alabama's case of Caitlin DeBoer being in trouble at the end of the season, pretty small.

[Caller Charlie]

I think. I think so as well. But people, you know, you said at one point in time, and I'm sure that you come from somebody else, no matter what you do, 10% of the people are going to hate you and 10% of the people are going to love you and 80% of them are indifferent. You got to change the indifference.

[Paul Feinbaum]

No, you're right. It's a little bit like politics where the Middle decides who the next president's going to be. It's not the extreme right or left. We know where they're going.

[Caller Arnett]

And

[Paul Feinbaum]

I mean, folks that just don't get consumed with it like we do are ultimately going to be heard from. And I also think it's what, August 10th, 11th. What is it? It's a little bit early. It's just a little bit early to be firing coaches.

[Caller Charlie]

Look, I'm in wandering through the 40 year wilderness right here. I have no team to pull for. I have no loyalties because I have no coach.

[Caller Kyle/Alex]

See?

[Caller Charlie]

So I'm gonna need you to direct me to a team that you think that I can pull for the rest of this year. Otherwise, I'm gonna have to ride your bus every Saturday morning with you.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Well, Charlie, okay, let's do a little quiz here. We know you're. We know in the past you've pulled for a couple. And stop me if I'm wrong about any of this. I know within the SEC you've pulled for Ole Miss, you pulled for Auburn. Is that. Am I on the right track so far?

[Caller Charlie]

I was 42 years a Mississippi State fan prior to becoming an Ole Miss fan.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Okay, you know what, Charlie? I'm gonna tell you to go back to state because. For those who don't know, Charlie's been tied to these other schools through family ties and legitimately for good reason. But I think it's time for you to become a House Stater again. I know you always were. But I think Jeff Levy's done a pretty nice job of turning that program into what I think could be at least legitimate for the first time in a long time.

[Caller Charlie]

Well, I hope he does a good job there. And if I can leave you with any parting words, it would be Clanga Tlanga.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Thank you, Charlie. Appreciate it very much. Charlie calling us. And for those who didn't pick up on it, we got to know Charlie years ago. He. He is married to Hugh Frieza's sister. And we got. We got to see him a number of times along the highway. Mario Cristobal. He made it to the championship game last year. He joins us next.

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You're listening to the Paul Feinbaum Show

[Paul Feinbaum]

Podcast and welcome back. And it is a busy, busy time of the year for college football coaches. But our next one, we really appreciate making time for us to come on the program just off a national championship game appearance for the University of Miami. Mario Cristobal joining us. And coach, I got to tell you, when there were plenty of skeptics and I'll include myself in the group, you kept telling a number of people that you have known for a long time, we are close, we are going to get it done. And I know you wanted the championship, but you came mighty close. Congratulations and can't wait to hear how you're doing.

[Mario Cristobal]

Well, I appreciate you having me. You know, we're working our butts off, as you know. And yeah, you were a skeptic one, so I owe you a headlock. But we'll settle it sometime in the near future.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Well, no, and I know because I think when you're close and only a coach knows how close you are, the rest of us don't. How did you maintain your composure? Because, I mean, you're an emotional coach, but you still have to have an inner discipline when you're this close to breaking through and it finally happens. How do you get through those difficult points when you know more than we do but the results don't show that?

[Mario Cristobal]

Well, I mean, I think I'm lucky in the, in the sense that I love ball. I love football, man. Can't live without it and you can't skip certain steps. And I've been fortunate enough to be part of all kinds of rebuilds. One is a GA when Miami was a 5 and 7 team going up to Rutgers, when they were 1 and 11, going to when they were zeroing a thousand. So, you know, we, we kind of recognize the piece and the parts that have to come together and when you start collecting the pieces and they start showing progress and you start knocking people around, moving the line of scrimmage and you start making plays on the outside. It's just a matter of time before it all comes together.

[Paul Feinbaum]

And you just mentioned something that is a key to college football or any football. It doesn't matter where it's at the line of scrimmage, that's what you did and that's what you taught. And did you feel like once was there, was there one step you had to get over or was it a number of things that you think because the previous season you guys were very, very close.

[Mario Cristobal]

You know, Paul, the biggest thing is we had to flip the roster and we had to get the right people in the building at the coaching level, the analyst level, development, academics. That had to be a complete overhaul. And that is not a knock on anybody. There were plenty of great things done here before, but the way college football was changing, we had to get people that just they are all about it, that they live for it and that they don't let anything get in the way of being one. And on a weekly basis. And it's got to, you know, you got to have some, some tough skin, right? Thick skinned, hardworking people that are willing to do whatever it takes, man. And we found ourselves a good bunch like that. And we, you know, we're kind of just getting started. We have a long ways to go to where we want to get to, but the progress is real and looking forward to, you know, to putting it together this season.

[Paul Feinbaum]

You started last season on that Sunday night with certainly a lot of people thought was a breakthrough win, beating Notre Dame going back almost a year. How important was that just to, just to get yourself in a position. It took a long time for the committee and everyone else to agree with a lot of folks, but finally it came together. But how critical was that moment?

[Mario Cristobal]

Well, I mean those games, we want to play those kind of games every year and certainly they're an excellent football program with really big physical, top players and a team that, you know, has had a lot of success, you know, recent is projected to have more. So yeah, those games and those opportunities you, you have to maximize, you know, your opportunities when you get them. And I think at the same time it helped us become battle tested early in the season and it helped us carry over some of those experiences to the latter part. And again, just learned a lot about ourselves as a team early on. Took some lumps along the way, but it helped us get better.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Everybody thinks they know the right answer to the college Football playoff. But your road, I mean, you could, you could sit around and try to find a tougher road, but I don't think it would be possible to have to go to A and M and then deal with Ohio State along the way. When you saw that come out, I know you were happy to get in because a lot of people were debating that. But deep down, what did you think about? Can you think beyond the game in front of you when you saw where you had to go?

[Mario Cristobal]

Well, we felt that we had built a roster and a team that was capable of, how do you say this? Of winning the rock fight and winning a shootout, if that makes sense. That if it became a sling it out game, that we had enough skilled players to cover them up and run with them, and if it became a line of scrimmage, you know, ground and pound situation, that we could be effective on both sides. So we felt capable of playing against anybody. And in a humble and hungry, driven way, we just shut our mouths and went to work and was able to get, you know, success in those games leading up to the last one.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Talking to Mario Cristobal here, coach, I know all you really have time for is the season, but since you had a good taste of the playoffs last year, I am particularly curious what you think about that because the commissioners are all meeting today. They're talking about tweaking. As somebody who had to face one of the more difficult roads ever in the cfp, what are your thoughts on where it is and where it ought to go?

[Mario Cristobal]

My, my one, like, true, like rock solid thought would be that it still has to be settled on the field. We have to get away from making football a pageant of what it could be or because this particular team that had a really pretty looking stat in this particular area of their game, I don't, you know, I don't subscribe to that, that point of view at all. And so getting the opportunity to get on the field and settle it is the way football was always meant to be. And I'm glad and grateful that we had the opportunity to do so. And hopefully we, we were, you know, we didn't complete the entire mission, but we certainly proved that if given the chance, you know, if you are rewarded for doing certain things on the field and then given the chance, you know, you may, you may be able to continue pushing on through the playoffs this year.

[Paul Feinbaum]

You got Mensah over from Duke last year, of course, it was Carson Beck. Talk about that evolution which everyone is dealing with and you took advantage of it and you hope to take advantage of it this year, just having to see a new quarterback almost every year.

[Mario Cristobal]

Well, I mean, it's. I think actually we feel really good about the roster going forward. I feel like this is the last year we have to go to the portal. But, you know, with all these changes going on, Paul, it's adopt or die. It's that simple. And, you know, we talked about today as a staff, as the personnel changes, and you recruit really good players. It's still not the same dog each year, right? Year in and year out. So coaches have to adapt. You know, organizations have to adapt because, man, it just. It seems like there's a curveball around every corner, and if you don't make an adjustment and move forward, it ain't going to work. And you know what? There's no. There's no value in sitting around and complaining or crying and whining about it. You got to. You gotta find a way, buckle up, find a solution, present it to your players and go to work.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Finally, coach, I want to talk about your return to Miami. I realize you've been there a couple of years, but you had a great job where you were. It was one of the best football positions in all of sports. But you wanted to go back. You wanted to go back to the school that you. That played such a critical role in your life and your thought process. And you also wanted to be the one that helped turn that corner. Personally, I know you're not going to be satisfied with very much, but how does it feel now knowing that you've overcome so much and have this program clicking on almost every cylinder?

[Mario Cristobal]

Well, I feel grateful for the opportunity that we had out west at Oregon, and we feel that we left it in a much better place than when we got there. And great people. And then I also feel indebted to Miami, Paul. I mean, I don't. You know, we don't come from much, and we don't talk about that, but at the end of the day, we're. We're no different than a lot of these young guys that had to grow up and make a lot of choices and decisions to shape and mold their futures. And I owe Miami. I really, really do. And in us, there's a lot of positive anger, man. There really is. We're very driven. We're not externally motivated at all. We're. You know, we want to get better, you know, and we know that for us to get better, we have to just shut our mouths, go to work, and keep just pouring every ounce into these players. This program our people and it's going to keep happening. We're going to keep improving, we're going to keep elevating and honestly waking up knowing that it's here where I had a chance to play, was born and raised. It's awesome. But we're just excited to get to work, man. It's awesome working here. People here love to get after it and I couldn't be more blessed.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Coach, I can't thank you enough. You've always been great to us. All the best this year. We really appreciate your time.

[Mario Cristobal]

Appreciate you Paul. Thank you man. Go Canes.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Thank you very much. Mario Cristobal joining us from Miami as their season about to unfold here in a couple of weeks. We'll take a short break. We are back right after this.

[Caller Kyle/Alex]

You.

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[Paul Feinbaum]

We are back and that was really fun talking to Mario Cristobal. Let's check in with Arnett in California. Hey, Arnett,

[Caller Arnett]

how are you doing there today?

[Paul Feinbaum]

We are doing great.

[Caller Arnett]

That's just wonderful. That's wonderful. I'm a first time caller and I have a specific request that may or may not be able to be honored, but I'm going to put it out there because it's important to me. Lane Kiffin is at LSU now and his reason, his reason that he gave for leaving his last appointment was somewhat disturbing. But I'd like to see him successful at lsu. And I'm an older person and you know, and I played college football at Utah State back in the day.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Yes, sir.

[Caller Arnett]

Since then I've created a process that can be used to help folks manage their weight. And I'd like to be able to connect with Lane Kiffin to see if he would be willing to let me come in and just discuss my program with some of his younger players, like his freshmen, who may be having some difficulty controlling their weight or getting a few of those extra pounds off. And so I wanted to ask, is that something that you are able or are you restricted from that kind of interaction or not?

[Paul Feinbaum]

Well, no. I mean, first of all, one good thing about this program, it's usually on in most football offices. So let's hope somebody is watching right now. But I think the best thing to do, Arnett, is if I could leave you on hold, you could at least let our people know how to reach you. And there's a reasonable, reasonably good way to get this information down to Kiffin. How about that?

[Caller Arnett]

I'd appreciate that.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Okay. Yeah, we can certainly do that. We'll be happy to do that. Thank you very much. We'll put you on hold, Arnett.

[Caller Arnett]

Okay, thank you.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Make sure you. Yeah, I mean, I. Listen, we all know Wayne and he. There's always something that maybe somebody hasn't thought of. Sounds very interesting to me. Let me check in with Ronnie in Montgomery, Alabama.

[Caller Arnett]

Hello?

[Paul Feinbaum]

Ronnie? Ronnie, you there? I don't hear Ronnie. Let me try Alex in Baton Rouge. Alex, go right ahead.

[Caller Kyle/Alex]

Hey, Paul, how you doing today?

[Paul Feinbaum]

Very well, thank you.

[Caller Kyle/Alex]

Okay. I just. Before I get into my like college football questions, you know, I've called you before. It's not my first time. I just wanted to Ask, like, what's your best advice, you know, after graduating high school? You know, you're going into your freshman year at lsu. Do you have any, like, big advice that you could give me so that I could have the most possible success, like, on my first year?

[Paul Feinbaum]

So, Alex, let me make sure I understand you correctly. What are you looking to do?

[Caller Kyle/Alex]

I'm going into business, but I also like to do things like coaching and education. So I. I just have all these sorts of different, like, paths that I'd love to take, but I know in life you can only really take one.

[Caller Arnett]

Yeah.

[Paul Feinbaum]

And you're at what year again?

[Caller Kyle/Alex]

I just graduated high school. I'm going into my first year at lsu.

[Paul Feinbaum]

I'll tell you what, Alex, I'm going to give you a little bit of background. And the reason I say this, I went to school with a specific notion in mind or what I wanted to do. I was convinced that that's what I wanted to do. It didn't completely went a different direction. And even throughout my career, which is a little more lengthy than what we're talking about here, I've changed directions. The main point I'm trying to make is have a good idea what you want to do and go for it. But be willing. And this sounds like some guidance counselor, but I don't mean it to come that way. Be willing to be flexible. Be flexible. I mean, don't change your mind every five minutes. But if you're not likely to. Yeah, yeah, exactly. If you're halfway, if you're a year in two years and you think there's another direction, be bold and be willing to do it. Sometimes it's really hard because I think too often young people in college are programmed to. I mean, I know people. My wife, she knew what she wanted to do in seventh grade, and she did it. I thought I knew what I wanted to do. By the way, I'm still not sure I know what I want to do. And I know that sounds crazy, but I think you just have to get.

[Mario Cristobal]

You.

[Caller Kyle/Alex]

I mean, you talk to. You talk to strangers all day. I understand. But I think the best part about your job is, like, I would guess Sec Nation. Is that right? Like, you get.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Certainly one of the different. Yeah, I mean, I love doing that. But one thing I've always. And people think I'm crazy, but I've always, like. I mean, I'm a sucker for a new idea. So somebody saying, hey, we're thinking about. I mean, I'm always wanting to at least explore. That's all I'M saying to you, don't change gears yet. I mean if you're, if you're two years in and you're working on a business degree, don't say screw it, I'm going to become a zoologist. But yeah, take, you know, make sure your, your eyes are wide open. And I think that that sounds very cliche. We're going to, I'll probably be in Baton Rouge in a couple of weeks. Why don't if, when we get there, why don't you, why don't you come by, maybe we can talk for a few minutes either before or during the show.

[Caller Kyle/Alex]

Yeah, no, that'd be awesome. And then now like my football stuff, I'm big into SEC and all that stuff. Do you see like Auburn is like an on the radar team to be like a real threat or do you think that's like a growing, like from now, you know what I mean? Like a few years down the road they'll be like back to the Cam Newton days. But like, what do you think about Auburn this upcoming season?

[Paul Feinbaum]

I tell you what, there's a lot of buzz about Auburn because of the schedule. They have one of the two or three toughest schedules in the sec. I cannot imagine them being a contender this year. But Auburn can really make a statement about the future. First week I think they can definitely do it against Baylor, but it's the third week where they can really put their, their stake down. If Auburn can get through Florida and Vanderbilt and go to Tennessee 40 I think that program has a chance to at least wreck somebody's season this year. And that's all you can hope for because Auburn hasn't done anything significant in so long that any, any amount of progress I think would be great. Hey, thank you, Alex. I look forward to seeing in about a month.

[Caller Kyle/Alex]

Yeah, yeah.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Look forward to talking. And by the way, I, I think sometimes when, when people like me give advice it, it sounds like it's coming from chat gbt. It's not anybody that knows me knows how, how willing to and sometimes maybe too willing to change careers in midstream. But I'm happy that most of the moves have worked out. We're up against the break. We still have three hours. We'll just see how this move today is going to work out. We'll be right back. More of your phone calls and more guests coming up.

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[Paul Feinbaum]

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