Al Golden on Saturday became the subject of a tug-of-war coaching debate between Miami (Fla.) and Penn State.
He coaches the Hurricanes, who believe they will retain his services.
He is coveted by the Nittany Lions, a top candidate to replace Bill O'Brien and return to his roots. Golden, 44, played for Joe Paterno, and a Penn State connection appears to be a prerequisite for the job.
Golden met with Penn State officials Saturday. There was no immediate statement from either side.
Sporting News joined a flurry of media sources on Friday in reporting the imminent move of Golden to his alma mater.
On Saturday, Hurricanes athletic director Blake James put a halt to speculation. Blake said he has been in regular communication with Golden in recent days and believes he will remain at Miami.
Golden wasn't talking; messages left for him by the Associated Press were not returned.
It's apparent why both schools would want him. Miami and Penn State have emerged from NCAA investigations, so Golden's ability to handle his football team in dire circumstances makes him attractive to both programs.
Golden's teams were 22-15 while the Hurricanes were under investigation involving actions of a former booster. O'Brien kept the Nittany Lions viable in the wake of Paterno's departure and death, and the sex abuse scandal centering on former Paterno aide Jerry Sandusky. His successor would have no less a task.
The Nittany Lions have other candidates in mind. Among them are Vanderbilt's James Franklin and Mike Munchak, who was fired Saturday by the Tennessee Titans.
Miami won't have trouble finding a replacement, should Golden head to Penn State. The Miami Herald mentioned two recently fired NFL coaches — Rob Chudzinski (Cleveland Browns) and Greg Schiano (Tampa Bay Buccaneers). Schiano pumped life into Rutgers before his failed two seasons with the Buccaneers.
Former Hurricanes coach Butch Davis told the Herald he would love to return. "If there were ever an opportunity I would certainly love to be considered as a candidate for the coaching position,’’ Davis said.
Contributing: Associated Press