Relax, University of Miami fans. A report that coach Al Golden may leave to coach Wisconsin apparently was off-base.
Thursday morning, Sports Illustrated’s Pete Thamel tweeted: “Al Golden, a favorite of Barry Alvarez, has emerged heavily at Wisconsin. Golden mulling a decision today.”
Alvarez, Wisconsin’s athletic director, is searching for a coach following the surprise departure of Bret Bielema to Arkansas on Dec. 4.
Within an hour of the first tweet, Thamel followed with a second: “Just got word that Golden is flattered by Alvarez’s interest but staying at Miami.”
Golden, whose contract with UM runs through February, 2020, has repeatedly said in the past month that he intends to remain at Miami, but that hasn’t kept his name from popping up for vacancies at several colleges.
“(UM acting athletic director) Blake James spoke with Al Golden this afternoon and he remains 100 percent committed to UM,” said Chris Freet, UM’s associate athletic director for communications and marketing.
Golden has not spoken to reporters since a news conference on Nov. 26.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Temple may not name a new head coach until next week. UM defensive coordinator Mark D’Onofrio interviewed for the position last week. D’Onofrio served as Golden’s defensive coordinator at Temple from 2006 to 2010.
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