Mario Cristobal, who became head coach of the University of Miami football team in 2022, has maintained his coaching principles despite the evolving landscape of college sports influenced by Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. Under his leadership, Miami has invested around $30 million in building a competitive football roster. Cristobal believes that if coaches feel the need to change their approach due to NIL or the transfer portal, they may not belong in coaching. He emphasizes the importance of treating players well and providing them with the resources necessary for development. Cristobal encourages his players to be responsible with their NIL earnings, stating, “ball is still ball,” and insists that financial discussions should not interfere with their performance on the field. His commitment to the traditional values of coaching remains steadfast, aiming to attract players who share this philosophy.