Al Golden Vows to Mold Miami Into Champions With Class

December 13 2010 Last updated at 08:10 PM ETJust in case current and future players in the University of Miami's football program have forgotten the Hurricanes' championship legacy -- and the commitment that's needed to reach that plateau -- Al Golden plans to offer a refresher course. And he also wants former UM players from the program's glory days to help deliver that message."The football program, it's time we put it all together," Golden said.It doesn't matter to Golden that UM hasn't played in the Bowl Championship Series since 2003 and has lost 16 of its past 21 games going back to 2005 against ranked opponents. Golden stressed winning -- and winning with class -- Monday evening during his rapid-fire introductory news conference as UM's new coach.Golden, 41, takes over at UM under similar circumstances that faced Randy Shannon four years ago -- return the Hurricanes to national relevance. Shannon failed and was fired.Golden was hired away from Temple, where he won 26 games over the past four years, and accepted a five-year contract on Sunday. Golden and his wife arrived in Miami on Monday, first meeting university president Donna Shalala and later his players.Once the youngest defensive coordinator in major college football, Golden described his career as an incredible journey. The conviction he's known for was evident in his tone and delivery. Golden said.^(at UM), I know I am around the right people."Golden stressed the UM program always has been -- and still will be -- measured by championships. The Hurricanes have won five national titles, the last in 2001 under Larry Coker. They won nine Big East titles from 1991 to 2003 but have yet to take a crown in the Atlantic Coast Conference since they joined seven years ago. Golden said he will hire a staff and recruit players who are committed to winning. He plans to evaluate the entire program as UM, under interim coach Jeff Stoutland, prepares for the Dec. 31 Sun Bowl against Notre Dame. The Irish and Hurricanes have played 23 times, but not since 1990."You will see a team that's smart, that's tough, that's disciplined, that plays with passion, plays with energy, has an attitude, is aggressive and represents the university with class, first class," Golden explained."That's what I am looking for. That's the type of team we are going to have. That's what the University of Miami was built on and that's what the University of Miami deserves."Golden made a promise and asked a favor of former players.He said the Hurricanes would not have a sense of entitlement to the program's legacy, saying they will understand the work that it takes -- in the classroom, in the film room and on the field -- to uphold that legacy.And, in the same breath, he asked that former playersTo the players in attendance, Golden explained that his job was to Golden added he would make sure they understood the standard of excellence and then demand compliance."We will return to winning championships here at the University of Miami," Golden said.

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