Rumors, Lies And Speculation

All of the Internets that Al Gore invented were ablaze on Friday night with rumors, lies and speculation about whether or not Miami head coach Al Golden will or had become the next head coach at his alma mater Penn State.

The high traffic crashed web sites, Twitter was over-run with tweets and blogs were full of comments about who was going where, when and why they were going there and many Hurricane fans just asked questions about what specifically was going to happen in Coral Gables and Happy Valley.

The crazed need for attention or to be the first to know, no make that guess or predict if Golden was leaving Miami and head to Penn State, drove many Hurricane fans over the edge. Some were hurt, some angry, some confused and some were even relieved or happy about all the rumors, lies and speculation surrounding the situation.

From the way I read the comments on Canespace yesterday and well into late last night, and from my sense of fans' sentiments over the last six to eight weeks, the Hurricane Family is somewhat divided over Golden's staying or leaving. With my finger on the pulse of the fans to me it breaks down like this:

• 50% do not want to see Golden leave under any circumstances.
• 25% are ambivalent about the fact that he could be gone by Monday.
• 25% want him gone and want him gone yesterday.

Personally, I fall into the 50% category of fans above that do not want to see Golden go to Penn State. I want to see him get a chance to finish what he has started at Miami, close out another strong recruiting class in 2014 and show us that he can and will win big by his fifth year as head coach at UM in 2015. I think Al Golden is a good man and a good coach who with time can prove to Miami fans that he is the right man for the job. At the same time I do believe that he does deserve some criticism and needs to fix a few things regarding the team's performance on the field to accomplish that goal.

The 25% of fans who are ambivalent about Golden's decision, in other words they don't really have strong feelings either way if he stays or goes, basically feel that although some progress has been made since Golden took over at Miami are not really yet convinced that he can get the job done and win a BCS title at UM in five years. These fans believe that Golden deserves more time to prove to them that he is the man to get it done with his process, players and scheme. However, they would not be crushed or heartbroken if he did leave and UM was able to bring in another high calibre coach to replace him and maybe even accelerate "The Process" further and quicker.

The 25% of fans who actually want Golden gone are simply done with the team's poor performance, especially on defense and especially in key games against good teams. Clearly, these fans had already gone over to "The Dark Side" well before the PSU rumors started swirling yesterday. They had already decided that "The Process" was flawed and that the core values were off target. These Hurricane fans stated that they wanted major change either among the assistants on the coaching staff or at the top due to the lack of significant progress over the three years that Golden has been head coach at The U.

From my point of view whatever happens, happens. I am not going to try to get caught up in the rumor, lies and speculation or try to predict what will happen. I am certainly NOT going to get my knickers all in a wad over Golden's decision to stay in Coral Gables or leave for Happy Valley.

The University of Miami won five National Championships (easily could have been 8) in football under four different head coaches over three decades.  The U is much, much bigger than any head football coach, much less one who has never won a conference title or a National Championship like Al Golden.

I hope Golden does stay and does both. And if not, who got next?

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Comments

[Dude on a Pale Horse]

Its hard to be an honorable mention anything under NoD.

[JasonTerzis]

Put me in the 25% ambivalent category.
On the plus side, Golden has gone from 6-to-7-to-9 wins. He can sell the crap out of the program to everyone: recruits, media, fans, alums. He's said and done all the right things navigating through the NCAA mess. And he has a top 5 ranked recruiting class set to come in.

But on the flip side, the defense has been brutal. No pressure ever on the QB. They make lots of excuses for poor/missed tackles. D'Onofrio should have already been gone. And James Coley as the OC is a step down from Jedd Fisch. Vanilla game plans.

With guys like Chudzinski, Schiano, Butch Davis and even Mario Cristobal out there - we shouldn't have much trouble finding a good coach who can win at the U.

Go Canes!!!

[LA3]

I am going to pull for the NOLES!
Hate Jimbo...Hate them kicking our ass
BUT HATE SEC even more.
Pulling for ACC!

LA3...I agree, watching the Suckeyes and Roll Tide BOTH lose their bowl games did make me smile. Now, about that FSU game...

Posted by: SOUP

[LA3]

As for 50% with sidecar…..with coaching changes!
Don’t want Butch, Chud, Greg, Mario, Frankin,,,,,,,,,lots of reasons BUT mostly we need new blood. Here is list for you to throw rocks at for a few hours! Should make few people laugh…

Mark Richt-Former Cane that needs OUT of GA.
Buddy Foster….
Todd Grantham-D Coach Georgia…..Did time at Va Tech too.
Jan Gruden—Johnny’s little bro
Mark Stoops- Yep 2 win Kentucky Coach!
Mike Nolan-Atl Def Coach
Buddy Foster….
Todd Grantham-D Coach Georgia…..Did time at Va Tech too.
Vic Fangio-SF Def Coach
Mike Gundy- OK State---
Larry Fedora- UNC Coach
Major Applewhite-UT OC
D.J. Eliot D Coach Kentucky
Keith "Doug" Nussmeier
Pat Hill- Old Fresno Coach OL Coach Atlanta Falcons
Tim DeRuyter
Todd Monken-Southern Miss

[Dude on a Pale Horse]

Another great article by the blogyman.

[laquinton]

If golden leaves. . IF !! Hope the new guy whomever he may be hopefully is a defensive mind. Or like auburn die. Hire a offensive mind with a damn good defensive coordinator.

Duane Akina from Texas can coach dbs. Very good track record

[Dude on a Pale Horse]

I think Mark Richt is a good coach. I think he can win a NC at Miami.

[Dude on a Pale Horse]

Mike Gundy isn't leaving Oklahoma State ever. They may as well be Mike Gundy State.

[Dude on a Pale Horse]

Or the Oklahoma State Fight'n Gundys.

[Dude on a Pale Horse]

Anyone on the shortlist without some success as a HC is a no.

[Dude on a Pale Horse]

Jan Gruden sounds like Jon's little sister? Pretty sure its Jay Gruden. Lol.

[Dude on a Pale Horse]

ESPN is saying that Charlie Strong told his staff he hadn't decided yet.

[orange 'n green in the vein]

Wow, the defending ACC champs have a game against the undefeated, #2 ranked team in the nation, and this blog is still asking about support for the loser football coach who can't coach, scheme or win against teams that aren't completely outclassed or finish with nine wins or more on a season?

Broaden your sports portfolio guys. Who cares where Alverage Slogan goes to sell his next used car lemon of a football game?

Here's what's happening, Alverage set up the meeting, he tells UM he's not going, he takes the meeting and tries to land the job, then comes back and says he wasn't going to go but they made him an offer he has to consider seriously accepting, then Blake James at this point should look him square in his beady little eyes, laugh at him and say, "Fix the defense Alverage, you already got an extension and a raise for being a poor coach three seasons ago."

That's if Blake has any aptitude for the job and has Chud's, Butch's, Curtis', Mario's and Kenny's numbers on speed dial, which he should already and start dialing while Alverage looks like a doofus in the office after trying to strong arm him. 49-49 doesn't impress anybody except people that think Paterno should still have a stature to pedophile protection standing on campus somewhere.

Now, about this basketball game today with the competent coach that is The Pimp . . .

[LA3]

If BIG AL leaves,,,,,And I think is going too.

I want coach that understands O or D completely and is involved. Not just game managers. I beleive the HC needs to put is imprint on the game plan and make decisions with complete understanding of situations.
Les Miles, Saban, Jimbo, Strong, etc....they jump in and take over when it is needed. Never saw Al do that.
Leaders need to LEAD in times of need!

[SOUP]

Tim DeRuyter - Fresno State

Posted by: LA3 | January 04, 2014 at 01:07 PM

That's my boy right there!

[RARA]

ONFC...what you are seeing on defense is a product of poor scheme and read and react defensive philosophy. Because of that OC are scheming the defensive players out of position. That's why DB's are consistently 5 yards away from receivers when they catch the ball. The players are frequently caught with too much space when trying to bring down a WR or RB. As sorry as V-Tech's QB and offense was their OC outschemed D No resulting in THAT offense putting up 500 plus yards. We gave up 500 plus yards our last 6 games. Even when we were worse on defense with less talent during the Shannon era our defense never came close to doing what our defense did this year.

Clemson plays an attacking style of defense. We do not. Btw...FSU had the most talent in the ACC followed by Clemson. Imo we have the 3rd best talent closely followed by North Carolina and V-Tech. But we look slower and less athletic because we are coached on defense to play slow and read and react. Play more aggressively (and with a new scheme) and you will see us play closer to Clemson.

[SOUP]

Tim DeRuyter

Posted by: LA3 | January 04, 2014 at 01:07 PM

DING, DING, DING!!!

IF Golden leaves we have a winner!

[SOUP]

Another great article by the blogyman.

Posted by: The Dude | January 04, 2014 at 01:08 PM

Thank U Sir.

[nemo2002]

With guys like Chudzinski, Schiano, Butch Davis and even Mario Cristobal out there - we shouldn't have much trouble finding a good coach who can win at the U.

Go Canes!!!

Posted by: JasonTerzis | January 04, 2014 at 01:02 PM

Sorry, but I don't see Chud or Schiano being too eagar at this point in their careers to "step down" from the NFL to join a "second tier" college FB program like UM (sad to say). Also, UM won't hire The Butch - even if he comes beggin' for the job. And Mario Cristobal - who was canned from FIU - and who bolted from a second chance to return to the U when Satan came a callin'. Are we going to hire HIM - as HC? I don't think so! (I hope not anyway!)

[Dude on a Pale Horse]

Where I am in the 50%, 25%, 25% rests on who we'd hire as a replacement. Cristobal? 50% don't leave. Chud? 25% he can stay or go. If its Butch then Golden can 25% his @ss on up to PSU.

[CGNC]

I am in the 50% however I am 100% tired of the drama and 10 years of losing. Step up AG or get to stepping with your best friend.

Posted by: Canesteeler | January 04, 2014 at 12:55 PM

LOL! So you are really in the ambivalent 25% with me and jw - j/k

[Dude on a Pale Horse]

CGNC, your horse is an old timer. 27 years sounds like a lot for an animal.

[Dude on a Pale Horse]

Is that the one you riding in the picture?

[DallasTX Cane]

Al has done some good things to provide stability & working with Donna get us thru a crisis that is only "minor" in hindsight. Make no mistake, mishandled and the NCAA would have neutered the Program for a generation. IMO we are in much better shape than we were before Al.

That being said; Al's major weakness has been his coordinators. And I have seen no indication that he is willing to be ruthless in his expectations and consequences. He needs experienced, excellent game-day coordinators. He obviously doesn't have the right people right now. If he isn't willing to admit this and take action, he will never realize his potential as a head coach. Reminds me of Mack Brown - with great coaches, great success; with bad or mediocre coach staff, little success & none against better coached teams.

So, if U leave Al: thanks for leaving the Program in a good state & good luck in the future. Now, on to the next guy...Admin, don't F it up!

Bottom line is that the rot in the Program that first surfaced in the LSU game, continued thru the Shannon years (see last game in OB); still hasn't been exorcised. The coaches and players change, but we still don't bother to show to big games. Inexcusable. How can a team coming off a 2 year bowl ban play like they don't give a dam when they finally get to a bowl?!? How can a senior QB playing in his last college game play like a lost little babe & not seem to care?!? How many missed tackles? Missed assignments? It's the same year after year. When will we have a team that stands up a makes a play? That stands up and wins a big game (UF noted)? This is leadership & coaching.

Either step up & stay Al - and fire D'No. Or leave. Time to shit or get off the pot.

[Canesfan4life]

I'm the 25% that either wants him gone or at least wholesale changes in the coaching staff. We we a 4 win team at best.
On offense without great individual plays by Duke, Coley, and Dorsett, we wouldn't have done much.
Horrible QB play(we had to dumb down the offense FOR A SENIOR QB)
On defense we were unable to tackle, cover, or rush the passer.
I've forgiven Butch, so he would be great, or Chud, Mario, or Orgeron.

[CGNC]

Who cares where Alverage Slogan goes to sell his next used car lemon of a football game?

OGV - that is FUNNY!!!!! The b-ball game is not on TV here but GO CANES

[USAFCane]

ESPN article mentioning Schiano, SMart and clemson OC.

WHat an=bout Smart? Not the Tides best defensive season, but coaches under the guru that is Saban.

What about the TTU coach?

Franklin at Vandy seems to be highly regarded.

Personnally, I've liked ehat Fedora has done at UNC

Cutliff from Duke? Their greatest season ever this year.

Anyways, think Golden sticks with the Canes but damn he need the school to drum up some money for food assistants.

[CGNC]

Either step up & stay Al - and fire D'No. Or leave. Time to shit or get off the pot.

Posted by: DallasTX Cane | January 04, 2014 at 01:41 PM

Hellloooo DTC!! My opinion is that it is the reflection of the coaches that have been hired by the administration. Unless and until that changes, I don't expect much to change

[USAFCane]

If he is parlaying this into more money for UM assistants then goes out and gets some upgrades, it might just be stroke of genius that makes AG.

[sass]

Mario or mark stoops if golden leaves. Both these guys could be good coaches. They both can recruit and would keep the class together. Keep the offensive coaches including coley ( Which they both know) dump the D coaches except maybe barrow. Its probably more realistic. I personally hope golden stays. Just my 2¢

[UpNorthCane27]

Soup i appreciate the job as the DB coach lol. I will have those boys training hand combat so that we ham up and mess up some of those diva wide recievers

[sass]

and im a total 12%.

[dj moonbat]

Mark Richt-Former Cane that needs OUT of GA.

Posted by: LA3 | January 04, 2014 at 01:07 PM

I have trouble believing he would be interested, but if he were, I would take him over any of the names mentioned so far. Including Butch.

Richt recruits and develops some good athletes; give him ready access to South Florida and his status as a UM alum, and I think he'd be gold. Plus, he's a bunch younger than Butch, and has no history of pissing people off at UM.

[DallasTX Cane]

Hellooooo CGNC! U are spot on as always. Happy New Year btw!

[HawaiiCane]

Butch Davis!!!!

[Dude on a Pale Horse]

dj,

As usual, I agree with everrything you posted, however what Butch built was the greatest team ever. At UNC he built a sick front 7.

[dj moonbat]

dj,

As usual, I agree with everrything you posted, however what Butch built was the greatest team ever. At UNC he built a sick front 7.

Posted by: The Dude | January 04, 2014 at 02:01 PM

Oh, I know. I am pretty sure that Butch would have Miami back to being a perennial Top 5 team in a few years. But then he would retire.

[Dude on a Pale Horse]

And Georgia will be sick of Mark Richt by then. Then Miami can swoop in.

[Dude on a Pale Horse]

I think my last post was eaten. Hire Butch, let him build it, win one, retire, then its Richt's time.

[J'Ville Cane]

I want Bud Foster- not expensive, knows how to prepare a defense with 2, 3 and one or two 5 stars sprinkled in. So we want need to hear these excuses about not having talent.

Bring Don back to coach the running backs.

Bring in Dorsey as the qb coach/ Co offensive coordinator.

Let's go get number 6 & 7.

[orange 'n green in the vein]

CGNC, because you're a fan of competent coaching at UM;

http://lag10.com/channel27

[raizecane]

50% here……i wont lose a wink of sleep if he leaves or stays…. me thinks he stays though. Penn State will offer more $$ but golden said the last 3 years have been the toughest (NCAA).

So why would he leave to go to school that will be dealing with the NCAA for a few more years? Also, the chance of Miami wining the ACC in next 3 years is greater than Penn State winning anything in the BIG 10

[orange 'n green in the vein]

This just in, Garrius Adams has unlimited range.

Now back to your regularly scheduled hand wringing over Alverage Slogan and where he's parking his career 49-49 record of failure next year.

[RARA]

Raizecane...that's the primary reason I am leaning towards him staying.

[Texascane]

"What about the TTU coach?"

As an alum of TTU, ain't no way KK is going anywhere for a while. Having too much fun at his alma mater and after the fiasco with Leach firing and the Tuberville mess, Tech admin would do anything to keep him there.

If Al gets a chance to go home and takes it, I don't fault him a bit. I will say that with the addition of Louisville and the improvement at Duke, the ACC is a much tougher test for Miami going forward ( I would rank us fifth next year).

In addition, if he goes to PSU he gets to keep Dinofrio employed for another three or four years.

Miami will probably be picked third (based on this year- correctly) in the Coastal next year behind Duke and UNC. Al can be third in a Big 10 Division at PSU or third in an ACC Division.

What it comes down to is how much the fact that Donna and Hocutt didn't tell him about the investigation during his interview still grates on him.

[Dude on a Pale Horse]

Mike Munchak has been fired.

[orange 'n green in the vein]

Well, considering they've turned the ball over eight times in total and six more than the Orange, being down only four so far has to be a win for UM today.

They've suckered Syracuse into the type of grind game they need to have a chance to win but we'll see if they can clean it up and tighten up the execution and find another level of defensive intensity to step up to and pull this out over the last 20 minutes of play.

[Pbcfrcane13]

That Damn zone is so annoying!

[VfB_Cane]

Canes hoops game is fun for those who love defensive minded, structurally sound basketball. You get that a lot in Europe, but only on rare occasions in the NBA.

Now, Canes and defense in one sentence is bound to bring out the beast in OGV ...

[Account Deleted]

If AG goes we lose some recruits for sure.

If AG stays we'll still lose some, the doubt factor of his long term tenure is out there.

Either way this soap opera didn't help us.

I'm in the 50% either don't care or please go. Maybe if No'D goes I'll reconsider. But right now I see 2014 as AG's last chance...