Is Al Golden the Right Person to See Miami Through Its Current Troubles?

I have to admit that I was somewhat baffled when former University of Miami athletic director Kirby Hocutt unveiled Al Golden as the new head football coach.  Has Miami lost all of its recognition?  It now has to resort to schools like Temple (no offense) to find a coach?  Has Miami truly hit rock bottom?

In Golden's defense, he was able to turn around a dismal Temple team within a matter of years, but his record was an unimpressive 27-43.  And might I add that this was in the MAC.  

However, it takes a certain type of person to coach in Coral Gables.  The history at Miami is immeasurable, and the fans demand more than a 7-5 season.  It is one thing to beat Ohio University or Bowling Green, but to play against Florida State and Virginia Tech is a totally different league—literally. 

Golden would be the first to admit that he is willing to face challenges head-on.  And that he did.  He claims that the opportunity given to him at Temple "has allowed him to remain undaunted because of what I've seen as a professional."  Golden goes on to say that "if I hadn't been at Temple...hadn't had the opportunity to build that [program]...we'd probably be scrambling right now."

Which couldn't be more true.  The thing with Golden is what you see is what you get.  There is no facade.  He can be brutally honest, he can be critical of both coaches and players and he is not afraid to bench those who are underachieving.

So the troubles that Miami is facing right now are nothing that Golden hasn't had to endure already.  He is prepared for whatever may come next and that is what makes him the right man for this program.  As Golden said himself, "I've seen this already.  You don't want to hire somebody for this job who hasn't seen this already.  It's too big a job."

Jimmy Johnson went through the same thing when he was first hired.  People were left scratching their heads when he first stepped foot on Coral Gables.  Now his name is synonymous with the University of Miami.  And as soon as Golden turns the "U" around, a National Championship will only solidify his name amongst the Miami greats.