Is the ‘Turnover Chain’ here to stay at the University of Miami following a coaching change from Manny Diaz to Mario Cristobal?
During a breakout interview session with media following his introductory press conference, Cristobal wouldn’t definitely say one way or another as to whether the prop would continue under his leadership.
“I haven’t even thought about that,” Cristobal said. “I haven’t used one or know exactly what it is. Anything involved with the program will always be addressed with players and staff because you have to grant everything a respectful due process and figure it out.”
Miami’s turnover chain was an idea born by then defensive coordinator Manny Diaz in 2017 in an effort to reward a defender for making a game changing play.
In 2016, UM’s defense ranked 67th in the country in turnovers gained with 19 on the year. The first year of the turnover chain, the Hurricanes forced 31 turnovers, which ranked third best nationally.
It was the perfect storm of hype and results as Miami finished the 2017 with a 10-3 record.
Rather than leave the turnover chain in 2017, the UM program featured a new chain each season from 2018-21 as well.
In 2021, Miami ranked 115th in the country while forcing only 11 turnovers.
The 2021 turnover chain featured a sapphire-encrusted Miami helmet with the traditional ‘U’ logo on the sides and the orange and green stripes coming over the top. There are a total of 2,754 sapphires on the helmet – 2,245 white, 366 orange and 143 green.
The first four turnover chains featured the “U” logo, the retro Sebastian the Ibis logo, a ‘305’ chain as an ode to Dade County’s area code, and then the State of Miami chain highlighting the tri-county area with orange and green diamonds across the Hurricanes primary recruiting landscape.
Cristobal did note that his Oregon teams never used a turnover prop when he was the head coach.
“I have never done [a turnover prop],” Cristobal said.
Should Miami retire the ‘Turnover Chain’ during the Mario Cristobal era? Answer in the comment section below.
