The Miami Hurricanes started with promise under Mario Cristobal, winning five straight games, including victories over top 25 teams Notre Dame, South Florida, and Florida State. The wins helped the Carson Beck-led team peak at No. 2 in the AP poll. However, the next three games saw them lose for the first time against Louisville before bouncing back to trounce Stanford.
But a catastrophic 26-20 overtime loss to SMU led fans to call for the firing of the former Alabama associate head coach and urged the school’s athletic department to hire former Penn State coach James Franklin.
Miami Fans Want James Franklin As Mario Cristobal’s Replacement
Some Miami fans apparently had lost patience with their head coach, demanding the school’s brass make a change. These fans want former Vanderbilt and Penn State tactician Franklin to call the plays for the Hurricanes, believing Cristobal isn’t the right fit for the job.
“We need James Franklin,” one user wrote on X.
We need James Franklin
— TJ Velarde (@Juice_Velarde22) November 1, 2025
“Miami needs James Franklin,” a fan emphasized on X.
Miami needs James Franklin
— CLE IKE (@216_Wildboy) November 1, 2025
“I would fire Cristobal and hire James Franklin,” another user commented.
I would fire Cristobal and hire James Franklin
— Mason (@mad_man95) November 1, 2025
Other fans explained why they are tired of seeing the Hurricanes lose under Cristobal’s supervision.
“Fire him and get the James Franklin!! I’m tired of his bullshit. Dc had that fourth and long stopped. What does he do? Give them another chance,” a disgruntled Miami fan said.
Fire him and get the James Franklin!! I’m tired of his bullshit. Dc had that fourth and long stopped. What does he do? Give them another chance. @CanesFootball pic.twitter.com/ez5JwIP5PC
— Jesse Garcia (@JLG24) November 1, 2025
Another Miami supporter suggested giving Cristobal a chance to coach games against Top 25 teams while hiring Franklin to coach lower-ranked matchups.
“Hear me out. Canes hire James Franklin as “co-coach.” He coaches against the shitty teams and never loses. Then Mario only coaches the big games, and he never loses. Just make sure all big games are scheduled in Sept. & Oct,” the fan wrote.
Hear me out. Canes hire James Franklin as “co-coach.” He coaches against the shitty teams and never loses. Then Mario only coaches the big games, and he never loses. Just make sure all big games are scheduled in Sept. & Oct. @Canes_Wear @CanesInSight @CaneSport @LakersCanes305
— Chris Benincasa (@Beans023) November 1, 2025
MORE: 2 Miami Hurricanes Make 2026 NFL Mock Draft Top 5 as South Florida Banana Skin Looms
Miami quarterback Carson Beck allowed SMU (6-3, 4-1 in ACC) to steal the game after his pass was intercepted by Ahmad Moses near the goal line.
The Mustangs’ offense then orchestrated a six-play touchdown drive that ended with a T.J. Harden score from the one-yard line. The Rhett Lashlee-coached team handed Miami its second loss in eight games this season while absorbing its second loss in the ACC.
SMU quarterback Kevin Jannings held his own against his Miami counterpart, completing 29 of 44 attempts for 365 yards with one touchdown. Beck, on the other hand, passed for 274 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions.
SMU receivers Jordan Hudson, Romello Brinson, and Derrick McFall combined for 261 receiving yards, countering the Miami trio of Joshisa Trader, Kaelan Marion, and Malachi Toney, who had 228 yards.
Miami will try to bounce back next Saturday against Syracuse, while SMU takes on Boston College, also on Saturday.
