Al Golden won't be returning to Penn State after all.
Golden on Sunday reaffirmed his commitment to Miami a day after meeting with Penn State's search committee, a source told ESPN's Brett McMurphy. Several media outlets reported that Golden, a former Penn State tight end and assistant coach, had or soon would accept the Penn State job, but it's not happening.
"There has been much speculation concerning my future at the University of Miami," Golden said in a prepared statement. "While I am flattered that our progress at The U during an extremely difficult period of time is recognized, I am also appreciative of just what we have here at UM and I am not a candidate for another position. We are eager to welcome our student athletes back to campus next week and visit with prospective student-athletes and their families beginning January 15."
Golden appeared to be a good fit for Penn State's vacancy, as he is a current college head coach with strong ties to the school who had done well at Temple and handled a difficult situation at Miami.
ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports that Penn State on Sunday interviewed Mike Munchak, who was fired Saturday as Tennessee Titans coach. Munchak is a former offensive linemen at Penn State. Vanderbilt coach James Franklin also is on Penn State's radar. The Commodores completed their season Saturday.
Penn State defensive line coach Larry Johnson, also serving as the school's interim head coach, will interview with the search committee at some point. Athletic director Dave Joyner said Thursday that the search will take days not weeks.