"I think it's a compliment"; Mario Cristobal addresses coaching carousel rumors
It wouldn’t be December if Mario Cristobal and his assistants weren’t seeing their names linked to high-profile coaching vacancies.
At this point, it’s the cost of doing business for Cristobal and the Ducks. Since he arrived in Eugene, Oregon’s head coach has seen his staff picked apart year after year by other programs.
It’s extremely likely that will be the case once again this year.
Late Sunday, it was reported that Oregon offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead has emerged as the top candidate for the Akron head coaching job.
Cristobal’s name has been mentioned as a top candidate to fill vacancies at powerhouse programs in recent months; although at the time this story was published, there is no substantial report linking him to another job.
During his Monday press conference, Cristobal was asked how he goes about keeping his team focused during this chaotic portion of the season when so many rumors are swirling.
“I think it’s been the nature of the sport since forever,” Cristobal said. “I think the noise comes at a million miles per hour. You’re just always upfront and honest with (players).”
“You always tell them exactly like it is. If there’s ever anything that does come up, you go to them and you tell them. When there’s nothing to report, you make sure to tell them there’s nothing to report. It’s that simple.”
The coaching carousel has sped up substantially over the past 48 hours. USC hired Lincoln Riley as its head coach Sunday, and Washington announced Kaleon DeBoer as its head coach Monday.
Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly is being linked to the LSU vacancy.
Cristobal has had to move quickly to replace key staff members in recent years. Last season, he lost defensive coordinator Andy Avalos to Boise State. The year before, UNLV poached offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo.
With how well Oregon has recruited during Cristobal’s tenure, he will undoubtedly lose more assistants this offseason.
“We’ve got good coaches. We’ve got a good staff,” Cristobal said. “We’ve had success. Naturally, people are gonna try to come and poach our people. I think it’s a compliment. It’s a pain in the neck because year after year you’ve got to replace guys.
“But we’re systematic. We’re systematic from a cultural standpoint as well. … We do things a certain way. So for us and our players, we know them. We’re honest with them. There are no concerns.”
