Report: Al Golden a top candidate for Rutgers job

Former Miami coach Al Golden is a top candidate for the vacant Rutgers coaching position, two sources told Keith Sargeant of NJ Advance Media.

The 46-year-old was fired as the Hurricanes' head coach in late October after posting a 32-25 record with the program. Prior to his stint in the ACC, Golden was instrumental in turning Temple around from 2006-10. The Owls posted a 1-11 record in his first season with the school, but improved dramatically, going 17-8 in his last two seasons.

The Scarlet Knights fired Kyle Flood following a disappointing 4-8 campaign, a season that saw the embattled head coach suspended three games for improper contact with faculty members regarding his players' grades.

Golden grew up 40 minutes from the Rutgers campus and has maintained an excellent relationship with high schools in the New Jersey area, recruiting them extensively throughout each of his coaching stops.

It's believed Ohio State defensive coordinator Chris Ash is the other top candidate for the position with the Scarlet Knights, as reported earlier Wednesday by Bruce Feldman of FOX Sports.