FIU dismisses coach

Dec 5, 2012 - 5:56 PM Miami, FL (Sports Network) - Florida International has fired head football coach Mario Cristobal after six seasons.

"Today we informed Coach Cristobal that a change was being made in the direction of our football program," said FIU executive director of sports and entertainment Pete Garcia in a statement on Wednesday. "I want to thank coach for all that he has done to develop the football program over the past six seasons. We will now turn our attention to attract the very best candidate to fill the position of head coach. We will begin a national search immediately."

The Panthers posted a 3-9 record this season after going 8-5 and earning a berth in the Beef O'Brady's Bowl last year.

Cristobal finishes his tenure at FIU with a 27-47 mark.