Stepdad Golden Inherits Miami Program

June 24, 2011

CORAL GABLES, Fla. — Al Golden went to that first players meeting armed with an empty notebook.

Not an edict. Not a mandate. Not an attitude. Sure, he was young and hot and made up of all that stuff they say about hot, young coaches. But he was not going into the den of what was left of The U’s swagger on his first day with all the answers.

“I did my research, just like everyone else,” defensive tackle Marcus Forston said. “Like when your mom brings in a new guy, a new stepdad, you want to know everything about him.”

Maybe that’s the best label for Golden. Stepdad. Miami’s dynasty — whether you believe it still exists or not — has not been known for lasting marriages. None of the coaches responsible have stayed for more than six years.

Howard Schnellenberger, the patriarch, bolted for the USFL. Jimmy Johnson, Dennis Erickson and Butch Davis went to the NFL. Larry Coker won the last national championship and seemed never to be totally accepted, to the point that his behind-his-back nickname was “Grandpa.”

A native son and loyal ‘Cane didn’t work out. Randy Shannon lasted four years, a stint during which no one is really sure what happened.

Why not a stepdad? Golden might be inheriting someone else’s issues but also a program’s soaring triumphs.

(read the rest of the article on CBSSports.com)