Greg Schiano leads 12 candidates to replace Al Golden at Miami
Miami football is at a crossroads, just because of … everything.
Al Golden was fired Sunday, and a program lacking revenue, an on-campus stadium or even an indoor facility must find a new coach.
Oh, there are plenty of folks who will take the job. That doesn't necessarily mean they'll succeed. And unless new president Julio Frenk suddenly comes up with $7 million a year for Nick Saban, Alabama's coach isn't even taking his call. (Like that rumor ever had any traction.)
If the likes of Kevin Sumlin are doing anything, they're moving up a level to, say, USC. And Miami is definitely not up a level for the likes of the Texas A&M coach -- not anymore. So unless there is suddenly the financial wherewithal to pry a really big name loose, athletic director Blake James may have to hire someone on the come -- or on the rebound.
Everybody at Miami loves Rob Chudzinski, but Chudzinski hasn't coached in college for 12 years. (He was last the offensive coordinator under Larry Coker.) Greg Schiano would crawl to South Florida on his hands and knees, but would Miami take a defensive guy?
The most recent hires around the country -- almost to a man -- have been offensive coaches. They sell tickets, draw recruits and energize the fan base. Consider Jim McElwain (Florida), Paul Chryst (Wisconsin), Phillip Montgomery (Tulsa), Neal Brown (Troy), Chad Morris (SMU), Mike Riley (Nebraska), Tom Herman (Houston), Justin Fuente (Memphis) and David Beaty (Kansas).
The new guy hired in Coral Gables will join a program that is being criticized on the national level. CBS analyst Rick Neuheisel has called out the lack of atmosphere (and fans) at Sun Life Stadium. One source told CBS Sports that Miami missed all or part of 33 practice days in 2014 due to weather.
Indoor facilities are a big, big deal. The new coach has to make sure one is getting built.
Miami long ago lost the ability to throw up a fence around Broward and Dade counties. Everybody recruits in South Florida. In-state, Florida is rebuilding and Florida State has played for the last two national championships.