The Golden ‘Canes and the Infectious Virus
Head Coach Al Golden was having tremendous success at Temple. He turned around a team that was 0-11 before he took over. He coached them to a 9-4 record in just his fourth year with the program, and 8-4 in his fifth. At the conclusion of his fifth season, the University of Miami was looking for a new football coach, after a disappointing 7-6 season. They had interest in Golden, and pursued him. He accepted the position and became the next head coach for the “U”. Al Golden seems to be a great fit for them, as he has experience turning teams around, and has a defensive mind. His Temple team won their games because of great defense, particularly against the pass, which happens to be where Miami has excelled. The program has lots of prestige, and that should help Coach Golden recruit the players he wants. The difference from going to Temple to Miami is astronomical. There is more pressure, from all angles, as fans, alumni, and the media all have their expectations. Everything is magnified, the weight room is bigger, the athletes are better, the money is more bountiful, and the fans are more boisterous. This will not be an easy transition for Golden, but he will certainly adjust quickly and make it work. He has proven that he is a winner throughout his career. This year the expectations for Golden will be as low as they will ever be at Miami. From here on out, Golden will be expected to have successful seasons, each more successful than the last until it he puts the “U” back in Miami. It will not take long before Miami expects ACC titles, BCS bowl games, and national titles. All Golden seems to have the Midas touch, everything he touches turns to gold, and Miami will certainly follow the same path. How does Al Golden have this type of success wherever he goes? Well it all starts by changing the culture, or in his words “Planting a virus on this team”.
How does this virus start? Well it all starts with the coaching staff. For Miami they want to dominate every snap on offense, and they are banking on their running backs to do so. Coach Golden is preaching ball security, and the rest of coaching staff is reiterating that philosophy. Not turning the ball over is the first step to success, as it limits the opportunities of your opponents. The virus that spreads around is all about fundamentals. Talent alone is not enough to make this team, or to stay on the team. You need to be smart, put your ego aside for the betterment of the team, play fast, listen, and be coachable. It catches a few players after the coaching staff starts to spread it, then the players spread it to other players, and soon enough the entire team has the virus. It is that virus that propels Golden’s teams to winning. It doesn’t always start right away, it can take time, but it always happens. Golden has plenty of talent already at his disposal, second year running back Lamar Miller is one of them to watch for, and he will continue to build the talent through scouting prospects, recruiting players, and coaching the youngsters. Do not rule out Miami for competing in the ACC this year, but in the next few years, watch out. These ‘Canes are infected, and they are taking it out on any team that gets in their way.
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