Penn State Scandal: Miami Coach Al Golden Is Good Choice To Lead Nittany Lions

Miami Hurricanes head coach Al Golden would be a worthy leader to take over the Penn State football program after Joe Paterno was fired in the aftermath of the serious allegations against his former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky.

Golden's alma mater is Penn State, and he was linked as a possible Paterno successor even when he was coaching Temple.

Golden would be a good hire at State College for several reasons. For one, he has experience in dealing with serious matters off the field.

In his short tenure at Miami, the football program has faced several allegations involving a former booster and there was even talk about a possible death penalty punishment.

Golden handled the situation quite well and has the Hurricanes building a good foundation for another run of successful football.

Golden is a bright coach who can help move the Nittany Lions forward. Despite the turmoil the university has gone through over the past few weeks, the Penn State football head-coaching job will be a coveted one.

The program has a loyal fanbase and packs Beaver Stadium every Saturday. Taking over for an iconic coach like Paterno could be intimidating, but Golden would not be affected by that. It's his alma mater and he knows what the football program is all about.

Golden would not be popular in Miami if he left the Hurricanes before rebuilding them into a national power again, but passing up an opportunity to coach at his alma mater might be too good of a chance to leave hanging.

Paterno coached the Nittany Lions for almost 50 years. It's a job few have been able to have.

Al Golden is a talented coach who could handle the pressure of leading Penn State's football program, and if he chooses to leave Miami he would succeed at State College.