With its football program facing potentially severe sanctions from the NCAA for its role in a booster scandal, the University of Miami has made "overtures" to head coach Al Golden regarding a readjustment of his contract.
Golden's agent, Brett Senior, told CBSSports.com Tuesday that UM has contacted Golden about a contract readjustment, saying "I've got the feeling they'll do the right thing." Golden was hired long after the alleged violations identified by disgraced booster Nevin Shapiro took place, but news of the NCAA's investigation into the scandal did not break until August, months after he was hired.
At the time, Golden expressed frustration over not being informed of a potential investigation while he interviewed with the Canes.
When asked whether Golden's current deal will include an escape clause tied to the severity of NCAA sanctions regarding an ongoing investigation into the Nevin Shapiro affair, Senior replied, "I will say this. We've got options available to us." Senior added that any changes to Golden's contract will not be made until after football season is over.
Later Tuesday, though, Senior told the Miami Herald that Canes fans should not worry about Golden leaving Miami. "Al is not going anywhere," he said.
"He is so committed. All he talks to me about is how great the players are and how much he loves them. He loves his home here. His family loves it here."
"The university acknowledged there is something that needs to be done," he added. "Initial overtures came from them. It's the right thing to do. It wasn't handled well in the initial [stages]."
Not that Senior's comments mean much at all. Plenty of coaches have left for greener pastures despite assurances to the contrary, including former Canes coach Butch Davis in 2001 and former Miami Dolphins coach Nick Saban in 2007.
Golden's current deal is reported to be five years long for a total salary of $10 million. Because UM is a private school, it is not required to disclose salary information.
Golden has not publicly commented on his contract or Senior's comments, but UM athletic director Shawn Eichorst said Tuesday he and Golden "are in this for the long haul." Like Golden, Eichorst was hired earlier after the alleged booster violations took place, but before news of the scandal and NCAA investigation broke.
The University of Miami declined comment to CBSSports.com.
This could mean nothing, or it could mean Golden has a chance to jump ship if the NCAA imposes stiff penalties on the U for the Shapiro scandal. No one can really say until the NCAA releases the results of its investigation, which might not happen until months from now.
