Mario Cristobal started following the RU commits as mentioned in another thread. Cristobal is still one of the leading contenders for the Miami job. He was offered the RU job before Flood back in '12 so he is fully aware of what has been going on since then at Rutgers. Developing a relationship now with the RU targets has multiple purposes. If he does get the Miami job and wants to poach some RU recruits, there is somewhat of a pre-existing relationship. And if he wants to recruit this area in the future, there is no time like the present to start building relationships. For example, even if he does not get Russo, there are always plenty of recruits coming through Wood. It never hurts to plant a flag early. By following all the RU commits, Cristobal is also positioning himself in the event he does not get the Miami job and things open back up with Rutgers. Now, don't expect the RU admin to be out in the open about pursuing anyone just yet. And remember, coaches game plan all week long for so many different scenarios and this coaching thing is very similar. Cristobal looks to be positioning himself just in case he does not land in Miami. Keep in mind that he emerged as the leading candidate for that job, but in the last week Butch Davis and Charlie Strong have also generated interest. Strong did not completely quell rumors that he would not be interested in coaching at Miami. He is being paid well at Texas, but it does not seem to be the best fit. Davis proved himself at the college level and his detour to the Browns after leaving Miami was not a very good move in hindsight. But he did well in Miami in the past.
What does all this mean?
It shows how ever-changing coaching searches can be. Who's hot one minute may not be who is hot the next. So I think you are seeing Cristobal planning out for different scenarios. By following all the RU commits and showing that there is interest, even if it did not come from RU, it puts some pressure on Miami. Getting people talking about Cristobal to RU is a good strategy to use in his negotiations with Miami. Look at how much talk it has generated already and it could have all been completely manufactured by Cristobal. Coaching searches are similar to playing poker.
What does all that mean for RU?
Nothing at the moment. If anything happens to Flood, it is not likely to come until after the season. Even a meltdown at Army would not likely doom Flood to not coaching against Maryland.
What does all this mean?
It shows how ever-changing coaching searches can be. Who's hot one minute may not be who is hot the next. So I think you are seeing Cristobal planning out for different scenarios. By following all the RU commits and showing that there is interest, even if it did not come from RU, it puts some pressure on Miami. Getting people talking about Cristobal to RU is a good strategy to use in his negotiations with Miami. Look at how much talk it has generated already and it could have all been completely manufactured by Cristobal. Coaching searches are similar to playing poker.
What does all that mean for RU?
Nothing at the moment. If anything happens to Flood, it is not likely to come until after the season. Even a meltdown at Army would not likely doom Flood to not coaching against Maryland.
