Close to 24 hours after indicating the opposite, Miami athletics director Blake James announced Sunday evening Al Golden has been fired as head coach.
“Coach Golden has led our program through some very difficult times and he has done so with class, integrity and a true desire to see our students succeed on the field, in the classroom and in the community.” James said in a statement. “However, we have a proud tradition of excellence at Miami, not just in football but in all sports, and we want to compete for ACC and national championships. I simply believe that now is the time to bring the Hurricane Family together and rally behind our young men.”
The Hurricanes were drubbed 58-0 by Clemson Saturday, the worst loss in program history. James originally indicated he was not a believer in mid-season coaching changes and that Golden would return. A day later and Golden is gone.
“On behalf of my family I want to thank the University of Miami for a tremendous opportunity,” Golden said. “I believe in what we are doing and how we are doing it and we have some outstanding young men in our football program. Though this moment is difficult, we wish the Canes the best of luck going forward.”
Hired away from Temple following the 2010 season, Golden closes his tenure with a 32-25 mark and two bowl appearances in four-and-a-half seasons. The ‘Canes, though, did not appear in an ACC championship game under Golden and this season saw themselves staring upward at noted football powers North Carolina, Duke and Pittsburgh in the ACC Coastal.
Tight ends coach/run game coordinator Larry Scott has been appointed interim head coach.