PHILADELPHIA -- Al Golden, who spent the past five seasons as defensive coordinator at the University of Virginia, has been named Temple University's 24th head football coach. The Colts Neck, N.J. native has 12 postseason bowl games on his resume, including four as a player at Penn State. The 36-year old Golden becomes the second-youngest head coach in Division I-A football.
"We are excited that Al Golden will lead our football program," said Temple President David Adamany. "He was a successful student-athlete in his own right and already is an accomplished coach and mentor to young men. Mr. Golden brings to Temple a record of athletic and academic success that will contribute to our students' achievements on and off the football field."
"With Al Golden we now have the final piece in place for the rebuilding of the Temple football program," said Director of Athletics Bill Bradshaw. "We are looking forward to providing our alums and Philadelphia college football fans a bright and promising future -- The Golden Era of Temple Football."
Golden was named the youngest defensive coordinator in Division I-A by Virginia head coach Al Groh in January 2001 after spending the previous season at his alma mater, serving as linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator under Joe Paterno. From 2001 to 2004, the Cavaliers' defense improved under his tutelage, ranking 108th in total defense in his first year to ranking 18th in total defense in 2004. In the same time period, Virginia's scoring defense went from 74th in the nation (27.6 ppg) to 17th (17.7 ppg) utilizing Golden's 3-4 scheme.
"It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I accept the position of head football coach at Temple University," said Golden. "I am excited about leading this program as we transition into the Mid-American Conference. I am confident in the commitment to excellence that currently exists at Temple University, not only from President Adamany and Athletic Director Bill Bradshaw, but also from the many people of Temple University and the City of Philadelphia that I have met. We have the best university, the best city and the best facilities in the MAC. The future looks bright on North Broad Street as we enter a new era in Temple Owl football."
In addition to his responsibilities as defensive coordinator, Golden directed inside linebackers from 2001-2004 before shifting to the secondary in 2005. In 2004, he oversaw a defense that featured the nation's best group of linebackers, according to Athlon, The Sporting News, and ESPN The Magazine. Under his guidance, Ahmad Brooks blossomed into a finalist for the Butkus Award. In 2003, Brooks and Kai Parham earned Freshman All-America honors. Golden was responsible for recruiting Brooks, the USA Today National Defensive Player of the Year - the highest ranked recruit to ever attend UVA. Golden signed the Virginia High School Player of the Year in both 2002 (Brooks) and 2004 (Olu Hall).
During his first two seasons at Virginia, Golden helped develop two-time All-ACC linebacker Angelo Crowell, who currently plays with the Buffalo Bills and 2003 Hula Bowl participant Merrill Robertson. Following the 2001 season, Golden was an assistant coach on the Gray team in the 64th Annual Blue-Gray All-Star Football Classic.
Golden began his coaching career in 1993 as offensive coordinator at Red Bank (N.J.) High School. He then served as a graduate assistant under George Welsh at Virginia from 1994 to 1996, where he worked primarily with the linebackers and the kickoff and punting teams. He helped develop All-ACC linebackers James Farrior and Jamie Sharper, both of whom were chosen in the 1997 NFL draft. Farrior was a first-round pick (#8) by the New York Jets, while Sharper was a second-round selection (#34) by the Baltimore Ravens. Golden then coached linebackers at Boston College from 1997 to 1999 under Tom O'Brien. While at BC, Golden coached All-Big East and NFL linebackers Frank Chamberlin (Tennessee Titans) and Erik Storz (Jacksonville Jaguars). The Eagles finished the 1999 regular season with an 8-3 record and a top-25 national ranking, while making their first postseason bowl appearance since 1994.
Golden was a three-year (1989-91) letterwinner and two-year starter at tight end for Penn State, where he received the 1991 Ridge Riley Award, given annually to a player who displays excellence in scholarship, sportsmanship, friendship and leadership. As a junior in 1990, Golden played a key role in Penn State's nationally-televised 24-21 upset of No. 1-ranked Notre Dame at South Bend. His touchdown reception late in the fourth quarter tied the score at 21 as Penn State rallied from a 21-7 deficit. Golden captained the Nittany Lions his senior year and helped lead them to a 42-17 win over Tennessee in the 1992 Fiesta Bowl. Following that victory, Penn State finished with an 11-2 record and ranked third in the nation in the final 1991 AP poll.
After his tenure as a player in State College, Golden spent one season in the NFL with the New England Patriots.
Golden, born July 4, 1969, earned his undergraduate degree in pre-law from Penn State in 1991 before receiving his master's in sports psychology from Virginia in December, 1996. A 2004 inductee of the Jersey Shore Sports Hall of Fame, he is married to the former Kelly Elizabeth Hanna of Lock Haven, Pa. The couple has a five month-old son named AJ.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT AL GOLDEN
Virginia Head Coach Al Groh:
"Al Golden is a very engaging, energetic coach. He has contributed a great deal to our program which hopefully gives him a good model on how to do things right. His coming to Temple is a real plus for the Owl program."
Penn State Head Coach Joe Paterno:
"Al was a captain for our team. He is a bright young man who is committed to coaching. He'll do a good job at Temple."
Boston College Head Coach Tom O'Brien:
"They're getting themselves a dynamic young football coach who has had experience in top-flight programs across the country. I'm confident he will do a wonderful job for Temple University."
Boston College Athletic Director Gene DeFilippo:
"Al Golden is one of the bright young stars in coaching. He possesses an outstanding work ethic and is known as a top-notch recruiter. He did an excellent job while on our staff at Boston College. This is an exciting opportunity for Al and his wife and a great hire for Temple."
