Hurricanes Fire Head Coach Al Golden
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CORAL GABLES (CBSMiami) -- The thing that an increasingly amount of disgruntled University of Miami fans and alumni have been asking for has happened.
The University announced Sunday evening that it is relieving Al Golden of his duties as the head football coach.
Canes athletic director Blake James released a statement Sunday.
"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. "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."
Assistant coach Larry Scott has been named the interim coach as the Hurricanes (4-3, 1-2 ACC) prepare to travel to North Carolina this weekend to take on ACC Coastal rival Duke (6-1).
Scott served as the Hurricanes' tight ends coach the past three seasons after serving on University of South Florida's coaching staff from 2006 to 2012.
Miami's decision to move on from Golden comes on the heels of the Canes suffering their worst loss in school history Saturday – a 58-0 dismantling at the hands of No. 6 Clemson in Sun Life Stadium.
Golden was in his fifth season of leading Miami's football program and had totaled a 32-25 record in that time. However, in that time he never won a bowl game – in two tries – or a conference championship.
He was also consistently questioned by fans and media for his choice of scheme on both sides of the ball.
Golden released a statement through the school Sunday.
"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."
Many fans are happy with the decision – one that AD James originally said he wouldn't move on until the conclusion of the 2015 season.
No details have emerged as to Miami's long-term plans regarding the head coach position.
The way the team performs under Scott could go a long way to his – and the other assistant's – standing in the program's future plans. Surely, names of other prospects will continue to swirl around – especially at the conclusion of the season.
Still, Miami has taken the step in a new direction.