Al Golden in statement: I am staying at Miami, not going to Penn State

Al Golden was said to be a serious candidate for the head coaching position at Penn State, and some reports even said he was going to take the job. Miami’s athletic director was confident that Golden would be staying at Miami despite the speculation, and he turned out to be correct.

Golden issued the following statement through the school on Sunday to affirm that he will remain as Miami’s coach.

“There has been much speculation concerning my future at the University of Miami. While I am flattered that our progress at The U during an extremely difficult period of time is recognized, I am also appreciative of just what we have here at UM and I am not a candidate for another position. We are eager to welcome our student athletes back to campus next week and visit with prospective student-athletes and their families beginning January 15.”

Golden played tight end at Penn State from 1987-1991 and was a linebackers coach there in 2000, so his ties to the program left many wondering if he would want to go back to his alma mater. But Penn State is in a more difficult spot sanction-wise than Miami, and they are also arguably in a tougher conference. Additionally, Golden is trying to return Miami’s program to national prominence and has seen improvement in each of his three seasons as head coach. Maybe he believes he is close to breaking through.

Penn State is expected to look at James Franklin and Mike Munchak as their top two candidates.