Al Golden has been the talk amongst all fans since the embarrassing loss to Louisville in the Russell Athletic Bowl nearly two weeks ago. It started out with people calling for the firing of Mark D'Onofrio, but then it escalated to Coach Golden potentially taking the job at Penn State once Bill O'Brien took the Houston Texans job.
After a couple of days of pure speculation and some reporting that some people now regret, the University released a statement made by Golden, stating that he will remain the head coach at UM.
Now, for the first time since the speculation, Al Golden spoke to Joe Rose on his weekly spot on 560 WQAM and our Jerry Steinberg has a recap of that interview HERE.
Following that radio spot, Golden had a press conference slated for 12:30 and had to deal with the local media for the first time after the bowl game and the rumors.
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As expected, the first couple of questions asked were about the rumors swirling that he met with Penn State officials about the job, but Golden, like he's been doing since releasing his statement, neither confirmed nor denied that he ever met with Penn State.
"Like I said, I am not a candidate for any other job. I plan to be here at the University of Miami and we're ready to move forward." Said Golden, and whether people want to believe him or not, he is still here and he's committed to taking this program to higher standards.
Also a hot topic, has been the coaching staff that surrounds Golden. Most notably Defensive Coordinator, Mark D'Onofrio. Fans have been unhappy with D'Onofrio's style for the most part of two seasons now, and the numbers show that Miami has not been meeting to what some people call "Miami" standards. Despite constant heat from the fans, Golden is sticking to the plan and keeping his coaching staff intact.
"I think these young people will benefit more from continued growth and continuity than making a change to any position coaches" Golden said, he also confirmed that he would not make any changes to any of his coordinators and hopes that the added talent and an extra year for young players will help the team.
Coach Golden was also asked about the three players that were left back home during the bowl game, which were Ray Lewis III, Rashawn Scott and Kevin Olsen.
"Rashawn, Ray and Kevin were suspended because of conduct detrimental to the team" while also added "I don't foresee any players leaving the team" which comes in the wake of a lot of speculation around the fans that Freshman quarterback Kevin Olsen would not return to the team and seek to transfer. That still remains to be seen, and we should find out soon if he enrolls in the Spring semester. Golden seems to think he'll be back, though.
Another concern is whether or not Junior linebacker Denzel Perryman and Junior DE Anthony Chickillo will forgo their senior seasons and enter the NFL Draft. Perryman and Chickillo have both looked to see what their stock currently stands. Golden said that he no underclassmen has informed him of their decisions.
For those who like images, here is a full video of the presser: