9. Sixth loss in a row to FSU may have sealed Al Golden’s fate in Miami
Even before the season began, there was a dark cloud following Al Golden, who has failed to build Miami back into a national powerhouse. The Hurricanes have been mired in mediocrity since his tenure began in 2011, compiling a record of 31-24, including Saturday night’s near-miss, which just so happens to be the sixth loss in a row to No. 12-ranked FSU.
This can hardly be called a rivalry anymore, and fans are sick of watching a team that will never rise above slightly better than average. Saturday’s 29-24 loss could be the final nail in Golden’s coffin.
Before the game, Andrea Adelson of ESPN had this to say about what losing this weekend would mean:
“A sixth straight loss to the Seminoles will be met with a disdain that even the much-maligned Golden has yet to experience in South Florida — with the majority of its schedule remaining (including a game against No. 6 Clemson on Oct. 24). Tension could reach combustible levels.”
You know its’ bad when former Miami coach and program legend Jimmy Johnson speaks out against what’s going on. Johnson says Miami isn’t a “primetime” program any more, and he’s right.
Will we see a change of guard next year? Time will tell, but it sure looks like Golden’s tenure in Miami is coming to an end.