Rutgers Coaching Search: FIU's Mario Cristobal Reportedly In Talks To Become New Head Coach

Rutgers athletic director Tim Pernetti said that having a new head coach in place by signing day (Feb. 1) was "doable." Today, it appears he may have pulled that off.

According to a report, Rutgers is negotiating with Florida International head coach Mario Cristobal to replace Greg Schiano as the head coach of the Scarlet Knights. Interim Rutgers head coach Kyle Flood was said to have been the other finalist.

The source said Cristobal, who spent the past five years as head coach at Florida International, accepted the job when offered by Rutgers athletics director Tim Pernetti and only the details of the contract need to be settled.

Cristobal has been the coach at FIU for the past five seasons. You might remember what he did to Louisville this past season by unleashing T.Y. Hilton. Beyond that win, Cristobal has gone 24-38 with a 1-1 bowl record at FIU. We'll break down the hire later, but for the time being, let's just say getting FIU in back-to-back bowl appearances and winning the Sun Belt title in one of those years (2010) is not easy.

Cristobal has a Rutgers connection having coached tight ends and the offensive line from 2001-2003.

As long as the Rutgers Board of Governors is on board with the hire, Cristobal will be the new coach.

UPDATE, 4:33 P.M.: Cristobal and Rutgers could not reach an agreement and Cristobal will not be the next head coach at Rutgers.