Mario Cristobal rages at Miami coach before ‘losing his mind’ during Fiesta Bowl trophy presentation

Jan 9, 2026 - 10:00
Mario Cristobal rages at Miami coach before ‘losing his mind’ during Fiesta Bowl trophy presentation

The Miami Hurricanes beat the Ole Miss Rebels 31-27 in the College Football Playoff semifinals at the Fiesta Bowl to advance to the national championship games. 

Miami quarterback Carson Beck iced the game for his team when he scrambled for a 3-yard touchdown with 18 seconds left.

Mario Cristobal wasn't happy when his coach hugged him
Mario Cristobal wasn’t happy when his coach hugged him
@elitetakes_

While it was obvious to everyone that it was the game-winner, there was still time left on the clock.

However, that didn’t stop one Miami assistant coach from celebrating and giving head coach Mario Cristobal a big hug.

However, Cristobal didn’t take too kindly to the premature celebrations, turning around with a furious look to scold the Hurricanes assistant.

Cristobal is totally justified in not wanting to avoid the early celebrations.

As Ole Miss were able to get Miami’s 35, where Rebels QB Trinidad Chambliss threw a Hail Mary into the end zone as time expired.

However, a Rebels defender managed to get a hand on the ball, despite there being a lot of contact with the Miami player. It could have seen the refs easily call for a pass interference but it went ignored.

Chaotic Fiesta Bowl trophy celebrations sees Cristobel ‘lose his mind’

In the end the Hurricanes saw out the win but the drama didn’t stop there.

As the Fiesta Bowl trophy ceremony was underway, Cristobal looked even more agitated.

While a VRBO sponsor representative was delivering a lengthy speech during the trophy handover, you could see Cristobal gesturing to his players to get onto the stage.

The issue was that there wasn’t any more space, as there were several people who weren’t players or coaches on the stage.

Mario Cristobal
Mario Cristobal didn’t look pleased for much of the trophy ceremony
ESPN
Head Coach Mario Cristobal of the Miami Hurricanes raises the bowl trophy during the Miami Hurricanes versus Ole Miss Rebels College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl on January 8, 2026, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ.
Cristobal looked like a man who knows there is still one more crucial game left
Getty

“Can we get our players up here instead of all these extra people?” Cristobal appeared to say.

When it was time to lift the trophy, a golden football, Cristobal didn’t even crack a smile, as it looked like he had zero interest in spending so much time celebrating.

Clips of this entire ceremony went viral as fans loved the no-nonsense approach from the head coach.

“Mario Cristobal was about to lose his mind at the VRBO lady,” the Bussin’ With The Boys podcast posted off their official X account.

“Respect to Coach Cristobal for putting his players first,” one fan wrote.

“Yeah I’m liking Coach Cristobal more because of these reactions,” another said.

“Trophy for winning a semi-final game is ridiculous, I don’t blame them,” a third wrote.

Mario Cristobal of the Miami Hurricanes makes his way toward a huddle during the Miami Hurricanes versus Ole Miss Rebels College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl on January 8, 2026, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ.
Mario Cristobal won two championships as a player and can now win one as head coach
Getty

Cristobal’s behaviour is justified considering there are fewer than ten days until the national championship game, a title Miami hasn’t won since 2001.

“Whoever counted us out, they’re never a part of the equation,” Cristobal told ESPN’s Laura Rutledge. 

“They never will be as long as I’m fortunate enough to be the head coach at Miami. The outside noise will never be.”

Miami will play either the Indiana Hoosiers or the Oregon Ducks in the national championship game on January 19th.

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