Commentary

Summer Stock: Miami Hurricanes

The Canes are in position to fix their mistakes from 2010 and contend for an ACC title

Originally Published: June 4, 2011

By KC Joyner | ESPN Insider

This article is part of our "Summer Stock" series, a three-week look at the programs generating the most buzz coming out of spring practice.

Miami Hurricanes

In 1975, Bill Parcells was offered the opportunity to become the new head coach of the Vanderbilt Commodores, but there was a problem.

Parcells knew the odds of replicating Steve Sloan's 1974 performance over the long haul were quite slim. Sloan had guided the Commodores to their best record in 19 seasons (7-3-2), a mark that was doubly impressive because it occurred against a loaded SEC schedule.

That made Parcells realize the importance of timing in deciding whether or to accept a job offer. Taking the wrong job at the wrong time would be a recipe for failure and could do a lot to hurt his reputation. He eventually came to the conclusion that staying with his current employer was the better option, and he turned Vanderbilt down.

Good timing may have also been the mindset Al Golden had when taking the head-coaching job with the Miami Hurricanes. Not only is Miami a program that has the potential to have long-term success, but it is a team that has the potential to legitimately compete for a league title in his first season.

To read more about the Miami Hurricanes' 2011 outlook, including the areas in which the Canes figure to be much improved, become an ESPN Insider today.