Posted by: Josh Kendall on December 5, 2012

After six seasons at the helm, Mario Cristobal has been dismissed by Florida International University, CoachingSearch.com has confirmed.

It marked a dramatic and quick reversal of fortunes for Cristobal, who in June was given a one-year contract extension.

"Coach (Mario) Cristobal is one of the top head football coaches in America," said FIU executive director for sports and entertainment Pete Garcia said in a statement at the time. "He continues to raise the bar for our football program on and off the field, and the last two seasons have shown you can win championships at FIU."

The Panthers entered the season on the upswing, having won 15 of their previous 22 games and having gone to bowl games in 2010 and 2011. However, FIU couldn't sustain that success this season, falling to 3-9.

"It is a privilege to be at FIU," Cristobal said in a statement in June. "I want to thank our University administration and Pete for continuing to support the football program. Their commitment is a testament to our student-athletes, coaches and support staff."

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Josh Kendall is a staff writer for CoachingSearch.com and has covered the SEC for more than 15 years for papers such as the Athens Banner-Herald, Macon Telegraph, and The State. He’s the father of two boys who he’s hoping don’t inherit his wide receiver frame and offensive guard feet. Follow @EyeOnCoaches on twitter and send your feedback to josh@coachingsearch.com