A tradition that started as a sideline celebration became part of the program’s history for five years. The University of Miami’s Hurricanes didn’t use the turnover chain much last season and the jewelry won’t be used at all for the new season. Recently, the new head coach, Mario Cristobal, announced the end of the turnover chain.
Tradition ends with the new coach.
Mario Cristobal has a history with Florida. Particularly with the University of Miami. Straight out of highschool, he joined the Hurricanes as an offensive tackle from 1989 to 1992. After graduation, he spent a few years playing for the Denver Broncos and the Amsterdam Admirals of NFL Europe, and returned to Miami as a graduate assistant in 1998. He left two years later in 2000 for Rutgers University.
He’s gained a reputation for recruiting athletes and turning teams around. In 2004, he came back to the Hurricanes as the tight end and offensive line assistant coach. Cristobal left the University of Miami to become the second head coach for the FIU Golden Panthers in 2006. They fired him from his position in 2012, but Miami picked him up as an assistant head coach in 2013. Six weeks later, Mario Cristobal left for Alabama. From there he moved to Oregon, becoming the Duck’s head coach in 2017. With a substantial 80 million dollar contract, he’s come back to the Hurricanes as the new head coach in 2021.
The start of something new.
A tradition created by Mark Richt, turnover chains are gold necklaces adorned with pendants that reflect the team. They are gifted to players that force game turnovers and have become a sideline celebration. Players wear them with pride. Since their creation, every year, they became bigger, heavier and more bejeweled. During an interview, Cristobal made an announcement. No more turnover chains. Joe Morgan of Fox News talked about the interview in his report.
Mario Cristobal worked with several notable Hurricane coaches, including Jimmy Johnson and Butch Davis, and developed his experience and ability. He also has a natural talent for recruiting. The new Hurricanes head coach made it clear that change is in the wind. Making it known, no matter the past, he plans to take the team forward. It will be interesting to see exactly what else the new head coach has planned for the Hurricanes.
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