No one should blame Al Golden if he decides to leave the Hurricanes

With so much uncertainty around the program, Golden should at least listen to suitors

November 19, 2012|Mike Berardino, Sun Sentinel Columnist

Al Golden says he's committed to the University of Miami.

The Hurricanes' second-year coach insists he isn't looking for another job, even after Monday brought the news, necessary but still depressing, that the school was self-imposing a second straight bowl ban.

"We want to see it through," Golden said. "We want to get it fixed."

All of which is admirable and commendable, but is it smart?

When Tennessee comes calling – as it almost certainly will – doesn't Golden owe it to his family and to himself to listen at least?

Doesn't even have to be Tennessee, where former Dolphins assistant Derek Dooley was fired over the weekend and where the smallest home crowd this season was 81,719 – for Akron.

It could be Arkansas, where boosters are promising to break the bank.

Or Texas, where the oilmen may have finally had enough of Mack Brown.

What about Texas Tech, where athletic director Kirby Hocutt, the man who brought Golden from Temple to Coral Gables, could be looking to replace Tommy Tuberville?

Or here's one for you: What about Nebraska, where former UM AD Shawn Eichhorst might prefer a less combustible coach than Bo Pelini?

All of those schools would benefit greatly from stealing an energetic young leader like Golden in this time of rampant uncertainty at Miami.

For me, it's not even debatable that Golden should at least listen.

That's how the tea leaves look from here after Monday's announcement.

Blake James, the Hurricanes' interim AD, told the sort of white lie people in his position often must.

"We have a very, very bright future as a program," James said on a conference call with reporters.


How can a statement like that be delivered with any level of certainty when this NCAA investigation has now dragged into its 20th month?

Or when no one in a position of power at the school can tell you when the official Notice of Allegations can even be expected?

Once that happens, it usually takes several more months to formulate a reply and then ultimately receive the penalties.

So you can imagine the negative impact that will have on this year's recruiting class, Golden's third.

James, a longtime university employee, tried to make the case for Golden to stay by highlighting the overall youth of the program.

As many as 20 returning starters for 2013.

Bushels of contributing freshmen and sophomores.

A team picked fifth in ACC's Coastal Division that could claim at least an unofficial title with a bittersweet victory this Saturday at Duke.

Look at "who we are as a program right now," James urged.

Right now.

That's just the problem, isn't it?

Until the NCAA metes out its unpredictable brand of justice, no one in Coral Gables can promise Golden there won't be a Penn State-style raid on the talented young roster he has built.

Even if a mass exodus doesn't happen, even if the NCAA somehow goes easier on the 'Canes than most expect, there are no guarantees these kids will ever rise to a true championship level.

Randy Shannon's highly rated classes never did.

Oh, and what if James isn't elevated to the fulltime AD role? That could leave Golden working for his fourth different boss since coming to Miami in December 2010.

Talk about a dangerous wild card.

This isn't to say Monday's decision was off base or anything for Golden's many loyalists to resent.

Skipping a shot at the school's first-ever trip to the ACC title game and possibly – but not likely – a triumphant return to the Orange Bowl wasn't just the smartest thing to do. It was pretty much the only move, given the NCAA's vindictive ways.

Just ask Ohio State if it wishes it had done the same thing a year ago.

As for the future, who knows?

Golden is 43. Even at 12-11 through two seasons at Miami, he remains highly marketable.

Right now.

With so much uncertainty on the horizon, he should listen long and hard when the big boys call.

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