Al Golden was given a raw deal from just about the moment he arrived at Miami, blindsided with a protracted NCAA investigation, sanctions, probation and a dark cloud that lingered for years.

These are facts, not excuses. And these are facts that Miami administrators keenly understood, using them to rationalize the losses that piled up over the past five years. After a dismal 6-7 performance in 2014, Golden made his case to athletic director Blake James for one more year -- even though many outside the program questioned whether he deserved it.

Golden convinced James this would be his year to get everything moving toward an ACC championship. In Brad Kaaya, he had a star in the making at quarterback. He had studs at the skill positions. But more importantly, he had a locker room filled with recruits he hand-picked, one that he could truly call his own. Not only that, he had nearly his full complement of scholarships and a two-deep on defense for the first time since he arrived in 2011.

James listened, believing enough progress had been made to retain Golden one more year.

Miami showed a loyalty to Al Golden, who was fired in the aftermath of the worst loss in school history, that may drive the program into further instability. AP Photo/Joe Skipper

That loyalty ended up costing James and the program, and now Miami sits without a head coach midway through the season -- a proposition many thought would simply never happen at the U. But many also never thought the worst loss in school history would happen under Golden, either, a 58-0 drubbing to Clemson on Saturday serving as a catalyst for what should have already been done.

What we saw in that game in particular was symbolic of the Golden era as a whole. Loyalty ended up hurting Golden, too. He stuck behind his best friend, defensive coordinator Mark D'Onofrio, for far too long, refusing to make a change after brutal defensive performances the past several seasons. That defense allowed 416 rushing yards to the Tigers, the second-most the Hurricanes have given up in the past 20 seasons.

Beyond D'Onofrio, here is what else was on display Saturday: too many talented players with lackadaisical attitudes, too many ridiculous penalties, too many baffling moments for a program that should be humming just like the one across the field. It was, simply put, an entire waste.

All that falls on Golden. All that falls on his staff.

Miami now sits in a much tougher situation than it would have in one year ago. There are six other FBS jobs already open, with more expected once the season ends. Last year was a relatively light year for head coaching transitions, and that might have made things a little easier for Miami in its search for a new coach.

Now, Miami will face much more competition to bring a coach into an environment that has turned much more toxic. The expectation will always be national championship or bust. Will the next head coach ask James, "How long do I have until they start flying banners asking for me to be fired?" Will the next head coach want to play in front of a half empty stadium that has become the weekly butt of jokes? Will the next head coach want to deal with facilities that still do not put Miami into the top half of the ACC?

Given how loyal Miami was to Golden, can it afford to be as loyal to the next guy, given the way the base has fractured? Had the Canes parted ways with Golden when last season ended, Miami would already be well on its way to a fresh start.

Still, James said he has no regrets over bringing Golden back for one more season.

"No, not at all," he said when asked Sunday on a brief teleconference. "I felt at the end of last year it was right for us to continue to move on in this process. I stand by that decision."

James did not want to make this decision midseason. Ten days ago, he sat in his office in Coral Gables, Florida, and said he wanted to make a full evaluation when the season ended. He maintained enough progress was being made, despite six straight losses to Florida State and no wins over top-25 opponents under Golden.

Had Miami played competitively and lost respectfully to Clemson, there is a great chance Golden still is the coach today. But that performance was enough to force James' hand, and rightfully so. No coach with the worst loss in school history should be associated with the program in any capacity. Certainly not at Miami, which has staked its reputation on championships and swagger.

James was loyal for long enough. Too long, really.