The University of Miami (UM) fired its head football coach, Al Golden, following the worst loss in the Hurricanes' history.
The school announced Golden's termination Sunday in a news release, noting that the coach would be "relieved of his duties effective immediately." Miami lost to Clemson 58-0 at home and only managed 146 yards on offense and multiple turnovers.
"Coach Golden has led our program through some very difficult times and he has done so with class, integrity and a true desire to see our students succeed on the field, in the classroom and in the community." UM Director of Athletics Blake James said in the release. "However, we have a proud tradition of excellence at Miami, not just in football but in all sports, and we want to compete for ACC and national championships. I simply believe that now is the time to bring the Hurricane Family together and rally behind our young men."
Following the game, James stated Golden's job was safe for the time being, despite UM alumni and football fans crying out for a new football coach, CBS Sports noted. However, he was seen on television hanging his head in plain view of his players and the fans who stuck around to the end.
"We had a good week. I thought we were locked in. We practiced really hard. We got beat in every phase you can get beat, including penalties. That's my responsibility, period," Golden told the WQAM radio station after the loss, according to The Palm Beach Post. "We didn't do a good enough job [against the run game]. They played with a lead, we couldn't bring any pressure to them and it got lopsided. Physical group up front [for Clemson]; we didn't block them well enough. We've got to do a better job protecting. We got beat up front. We've got to get it corrected quickly."
Larry Scott, an assistant football coach, will serve as the Hurricanes' interim head coach for the rest of the season.