A former NFL player and defensive coordinator, he is most known for his head coaching stints at Temple and Miami, leading the Hurricanes to multiple bowl games.
Al Golden is renowned for his remarkable coaching career, spearheading the Temple Owls and Miami Hurricanes to numerous victories, as well as his stint as the defensive coordinator for the Virginia Cavaliers and Notre Dame Fighting Irish. With a rich playing background as a tight end, Golden has made a lasting impact on the world of American football.
Born on July 4, 1969, Alfred James Golden Jr. embarked on his football journey as a tight end for the Penn State Nittany Lions from 1989 to 1991. During his collegiate years, Golden received the 1991 Ridge Riley Award, recognizing excellence in scholarship, sportsmanship, friendship, and leadership.
As a junior, Golden played a pivotal role in Penn State's nationally televised 24-21 upset of top-ranked Notre Dame at South Bend, where he scored a touchdown reception late in the fourth quarter, tying the score at 21. In his senior year, he was named captain of the Nittany Lions, leading them to a 42-17 win over the University of Tennessee in the 1992 Fiesta Bowl, an 11-2 record, and a No. 3 ranking in the final 1991 AP Poll.
Golden's professional playing career spanned one season with the New England Patriots in the National Football League (NFL) in 1992.
Golden began his coaching career in 1993 as the offensive coordinator at Red Bank Catholic High School in Red Bank, New Jersey. He then served as a graduate assistant under George Welsh at the University of Virginia from 1994 to 1996, where he worked primarily with the linebackers and special teams.
Golden's coaching stints include linebackers coach at Boston College from 1997 to 1999 under Tom O'Brien, defensive coordinator at the University of Virginia from 2001 to 2005, and head coach at Temple University from 2006 to 2010 and the University of Miami from 2011 to 2015.
Currently, Golden serves as the defensive coordinator for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Throughout his coaching career, Golden has emphasized the importance of discipline, hard work, and teamwork. His approach focuses on building strong relationships with his players, fostering a sense of accountability, and creating an environment that encourages growth and development.
Born on July 4, 1969, in New Jersey, Golden has been married to his wife, Kelly, since 1995, and they have three children together.
Through his dedication to the sport and his players, Golden has made a lasting impact on the world of American football. His leadership and coaching philosophy have inspired countless young athletes and coaches, shaping the future of the sport.
Al Golden's remarkable coaching career, coupled with his dedication to the sport and his players, has cemented his place as a highly respected figure in American football. His influence will continue to shape the sport, inspiring future generations of athletes and coaches.
74 Years Old
A former NFL player and college football coach, known for his head coaching stints at the University of Miami and North Carolina, leading the Hurricanes to a national championship in 2001.
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Legendary college football player and coach who led the Miami Hurricanes to a national championship and later coached the Dallas Cowboys to two Super Bowl wins.
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College football coach with two national championships and a stint in the NFL, known for his aggressive defenses and ability to turn around struggling programs.
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Legendary college football coach who led the University of Miami to a national championship in 1983 and is credited with building the program into a powerhouse.
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Australian rugby league player who played for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and represented New South Wales in the State of Origin series. He's a premiership-winning player and coach.
