Notre Dame Football: Al Golden appears interested in Syracuse job
Notre Dame football’s DC seemingly said all the right things when asked about taking a new job, but it was what he didn’t say that’s important.
It should come as no surprise after the way that the Notre Dame football defense has played this year that Al Golden is expected to be on several shortlists for head coaching jobs. It should also come as no surprise that if he is on those shortlists, he’d be interested in taking the job.
Nevertheless, it’s officially that time of year. It’s the time when Fighting Irish fans have to sit and worry about whether arguably the best assistant on Marcus Freeman’s staff might be on his way out.
It doesn’t help with the anxiety when you take into account the fact that it’s possible the Fighting Irish would have lost another game or two had Golden not been on the sidelines in South Bend this year.
That’s why the Notre Dame defensive coordinator’s recent comments about potential suitors is unlikely to soothe nerves. At least if you read between the lines.
Speaking to the media on Monday afternoon, the talented defensive coach seemed to talk around rumors that he was in the crosshairs of Syracuse’s search for a new head coach after the firing of Dino Babers.
"“I think the biggest thing right now is we got our hands full. I mean, that’s it. It is all day, every day, trying to win as many games as we can win. Obviously, we have a goal of winning 10. And to do that, we have to win this one. We have to find a way to win this one. So if names are being mentioned, it’s because of the success of the staff and the players. And that part of is humbling.”"
Notre Dame football defensive coordinator not ruling anything out
To his credit, Golden said all the right things without really saying anything at all. You’ll notice in that paragraph that he said nothing about not being interested in the Orange job.
In fact he didn’t say he wasn’t interested in any other job that might come calling.
You can’t blame Al Golden. The man was once the head coach of one of the most storied programs in college football. Things didn’t go all that well in Miami. It makes sense that he’d want another shot to prove he can do the job.
His performance this season, just his second with Notre Dame football, has proven he’s one of the best defensive minds in the business. Someone is going to come calling. It seems he’ll at least listen.