Mario Cristobal interviewing with Alabama, according to report

Miami tight ends coach Mario Cristobal, who joined the Hurricanes on Jan. 10, is set to interview for the vacant offensive line coaching position at Alabama, according to Christopher Stock of Inside the U.

The Hurricanes hired Cristobal after he served as head coach at Florida International for six seasons. He led the Golden Panthers to two bowl appearances and a Sun Belt Conference title during his tenure, but after a 3-9 season in 2012, athletics director Pete Garcia fired Cristobal. The head coach compiled a 27-47 record as FIU's program architect, spurning BCS-conference offers along the way.

He has two years of offensive line coach experience, at Miami and Rutgers, and played on the line in college (at Miami!) and in NFL Europe.

Alabama is trying to replace Jeff Stoutland, who recently took a job as offensive line coach on Chip Kelly's Philadelphia Eagles staff. Stoutland joined the Crimson Tide before the 2011 season, and in 2012, he coached an offensive line that was considered by most to be the best in the nation. Alabama averaged 227.5 rushing yards per game in 2012, and the Tide allowed 1.6 sacks per contest.

While losing Cristobal to another job after just a few weeks in Coral Gables would sting, rational Miami fans seem to understand that it would be a good career move.

If, IF, Mario goes to Bama, good for him. Would likely be big $$, and another step in the right direction career-wise.

— Lt. Philip Nolan (@TheStateOfTheU) February 15, 2013

Of course, not everyone agrees.

@thestateoftheu fuck that

— Cane Flexin (@ThatCaneZo) February 15, 2013