Al Golden fired by Miami one day after worst loss in school history

Al Golden has been fired as head coach of Miami after more than four seasons with the Hurricanes, the school announced. He leaves following a 4-3 record in 2015 and a 1-2 ACC season. Miami lost 58-0 to Clemson in Golden’s final game. Over the course of his tenure in Miami, he was 32-25 and 17-18 in ACC play.

“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.” Miami athletic director Blake 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.”

This news comes a day after James said no coaching change was imminent, despite many Hurricane football alums calling for Golden’s firing.

Larry Scott, the Hurricanes’ run game coordinator and tight ends coach, will serve as interim head coach. Golden also released a statement through Miami.

“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.”

Golden was named head coach of the Hurricanes in December 2010, replacing Randy Shannon. Before he had coached a game at Miami, the program was mired in controversy. In August 2011, former donor and convicted felon Nevin Shapiro told Yahoo Sports that he had provided Hurricane players with cash, jewelry and escorts from 2002 through 2010. Miami immediately declared a number of players included in Shapiro’s allegations ineligible. Two years later, following a lengthy investigation, the NCAA put the program on probation and revoked nine scholarships total through the 2014-16 seasons. Golden agreed to remain with Miami after the Shapiro report was released, and Miami extended his contract through the 2019 season.

While the Shapiro investigation ended with modest sanctions, Golden failed to gain traction in Coral Gables. He won more than seven games just once, a nine-win 2013 campaign where the ‘Canes entered the top ten before a blowout loss to Florida State and a November losing streak. Disgruntled fans began renting planes to carry “Fire Al Golden” banners over games in 2014. The Miami Board of Trustees expressed displeasure with the state of the program after that season, a 6-7 disappointment that ended with another November losing skid and bowl loss. Yet another loss to Florida State in October and a record-shattering 58-point loss to Clemson sealed Golden’s fate.