Mario Cristobal was named a finalist for the 2025 Paul "Bear" Bryant Coach of the Year Award, according to an announcement released by the American Heart Association.
Miami heads into Thursday night's College Football Playoff semifinal against Ole Miss trying to reach the national title game.
Bear Bryant Coach of Year finalists
Curt Cignetti, Indiana
Bob Chesney, James Madison
Mario Cristobal, Miami
Mike Elko, Texas A&M
Tony Elliott, Virginia
Dan Lanning, Oregon
Clark Lea, Vanderbilt
Joey McGuire, Texas Tech— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) January 7, 2026Mario Cristobal named finalist for major college football award
Cristobal is one of eight finalists.