COACH… “gotta stay in a hunting mode”

October 26, 2026 - Miami remains undefeated and the #1 team in the nation after a dominating win over Pitt, 52-23, at Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday.

Head coach Mario Cristobal made his weekly appearance on The Joe Rose Show on Monday. Coach shared his perspective on the Pitt game, look ahead to this week’s opponent, the Tar Heels of North Carolina, in Chapel Hill and more.

On our fan support…

“Just want to thank the fans for a strong showing, that support created a great environment for our players, for families, for recruits, for everybody, said Cristobal. “Certainly appreciate them. Really good conference win, strong start for our entire team.”

On the victory over Pitt…

"Got out the gate really hot, and defense four straight three-and-outs. Offensively, I believe we scored on five of our six possessions, one being a field goal miscue, a couple of miscues from having a completely dominant half. Had the one drop that prevented it and whatnot, and then a couple of miscues on defense. The middle eight was great. Plus-21 in the middle eight, and then had the opportunity to remove our starters with about 13 minutes to go in the fourth quarter of 52-14. So that was a positive.”

"Some of the negative stuff that we have to work on. Again, a lot of progress, but more progress to be made. I would say the penalties obviously was something that really stood out. Four pre-snap penalties, which is four too many. A drop on a fourth down pass, maybe a decision that could be better on a fourth down as well. Backups not executing to the level that we want it to be. Hail Mary defense, and a busted coverage, which really not busted, just a lapse in the coverage, sort of saying, gave up a couple of explosives, which need to work on as well. But aside from that, I'll focus on getting better. Lots of good stuff. Lots more to get better at. And I'll focus on 1-0 and preparing for an excellent North Carolina team.”

On the North Carolina Tar Heels…

"Big and physical, a lot of length, a lot of size, a lot of experience, a lot of returning starters, either on their team or from other teams, they acquired from the portal.  A lot of team speed and a lot of length. They're very physical at the line of scrimmage. Very big and powerful in the trenches. Two gaps and defensive tackles jump from their nickel fronts, their four downs, to their odd, odd tights, and their bear fronts can play man coverage, can play zone, a lot of post safety stuff. 

"They present a lot of issues with their offense. [Bobby Petrino], obviously a tremendous coach for such a long time. Big menu. They get downhill in the run game. They get through you and around you in the passing game. Can hit you with screens. Tight ends a dynamic player. I could go on and on and on, but I'm just waiting for questions, but I need to mention their special teams too. They are tops in the country and kick off the turn one or two with a big one a couple of weeks ago for a touchdown.”

On the impact of Bill Belichick…

"I think one thing that really stands out, they're excellent with their technique and fundamentals. They strike. They come out of their hips. They use their hands really well. Block destruction at a high level. They finish plays. Their assignment conscience communicate really, really well. They're one of least penalized teams in the country as well. They capitalize on mistakes by other teams. I think they play complementary football really, really well. Special teams is a factor. They look like a very seasoned group of players. I like to point out, game one, they're overseas as an underdog, and how do they win the game? With a hard count. Getting the other team to jump offsides, and that's it. Game over. They beat you in a lot of different ways. But they're a very well-coached team, and obviously, I mean, he'll go down as the best coach ever to do it. So, be a great honor to play them.”

On looking ahead to Notre Dame…

"We just watched them, North Carolina, at the line of scrimmage. They're beating up everybody they play. It's easy to see, and if anyone that doesn't recognize that chooses to be blind. In this conference, and conference play in general, is playoff football. I think instead of thinking about what's at stake and being in like defensive mode and protection mode, it's more of gotta stay in a hunting mode. You gotta be on the attack because the teams that we play have really, really good players that can beat you and can beat anybody. And watching them on tape and the things they've done and some of the players and their capabilities, it's gonna take every ounce of preparation and great effort to make sure we get our win.”

GO CANES!