5 Candidates to Replace Al Golden at the University of Miami

By Brad Berreman

5 Long-Term Candidates to Replace Al Golden at the University of Miami

Al Golden University of Miami — After the most lopsided loss in school history on Saturday, 58-0 to Clemson, the University of Miami has fired football coach Al Golden.

Tight ends coach and run game coordinator Larry Scott will serve as interim head coach for the rest of this season. Here are five candidates to be Golden's long-term replacement.

5. Steve Sarkisian

Steve Sarkisian USC

5. Steve Sarkisian

Steve Sarkisian USC — Sarkisian obviously has some personal stuff to sort out, which will require some due diligence by "The U" to prevent a repeat of what got him fired at USC. But if Sarkisian can get the help he needs and has a desire to coach, a fresh start could appeal to both he and the University of Miami.

4. Larry Scott

Brad Kaaya Miami

4. Larry Scott

Brad Kaaya — Scott can't be ruled out as a permanent replacement for Golden, even with no previous head coaching experience. If the Hurricanes finish the season strongly, go to a bowl game and maybe even win it, Scott should get more than a token interview for the full-time job.

3. Justin Fuente, Head Coach, Memphis

Justin Fuente Memphis

3. Justin Fuente, Head Coach, Memphis

Justin Fuente Memphis — Fuente has led Memphis to a 7-0 record so far this season, after a 10-3 2014 campaign that included a bowl victory, so Miami will have plenty of competition for his services (South Carolina, USC, etc.). But they should have interest in Fuente, and if for some reason they don't that will be a red flag.

2. Matt Rhule, Head Coach, Temple-

Matt Rhule Temple

2. Matt Rhule, Head Coach, Temple

Matt Rhule Temple — Rhule worked as an assistant under Golden at Temple, before leaving and coming back for the head coaching job, which may work against his candidacy at Miami. But athletic director Blake James would do well to spearhead an analysis of Rhule on his own merits, including a 7-0 record so far this season, and not hold Golden's failures against a new coaching candidate.

1. Tom Herman, Head Coach, Houston

Tom Herman Houston

1. Tom Herman, Head Coach, Houston

Tom Herman Houston — Herman is in his first season at Houston, after serving as offensive coordinator at Ohio State for three seasons.The Cougars are also 7-0 this season, led by an explosive offense that entered this week in the top-five of the FBS in total yardage (over 561.2 yards per game) and points (47.6 per game). Miami may have to get in line for Herman as well, assuming he even wants to leave Houston after just one season.

Teams in this article »

Miami (FL) Hurricanes

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