Temple Students React To The End Of The 'Golden' Era
NORTH PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Temple University's football program went 3-31 in the three seasons before Al Golden arrived to North Philadelphia. Now, after leading the Owls to a 17-8 record over the past two seasons including the team's first bowl game in 30 years, Coach Al Golden is leaving Temple to become head coach at The University of Miami.
Students on campus were appreciative of Golden's contributions. "I think he's a real good coach, and it's real good for him. It just sucks that Temple's going to have to lose a real good coach," said one student. Another student said Golden's stay was meant to be brief, "He came to a school which needed a turnaround. He got the turnaround and now he's on to bigger and better things at Miami."
Students agreed that the winning was important, especially after decades of futility, but Temple senior Andrea says Coach Golden's emphasis on academics and community service was even more important. "He's really done a good job with the team and they really have been a positive representation of Temple University, so hopefully bring in someone who's going to keep reinforcing everything that he's already set up," said Andrea.
Golden's deal is for five-years and if incentives are met the deal could be worth around $2 million annually. He is taking over a Miami program that fired coach Randy Shannon after a 7-5 regular season.
Reported by: Jim Melwert, KYW Newsradio
