CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) — The worst loss in Miami’s storied history will be Al Golden’s last with the Hurricanes.

In a move that long seemed inevitable, Golden was fired Sunday with more than four full years left on his contract. Tight ends coach Larry Scott will take over as interim head coach, as the Hurricanes try to save their season and start yet another process of trying to reclaim lost prominence.

“Making a change mid-season in any athletic program is something I prefer not to do, as I believe coaching evaluations should take place after a season concludes,” said Miami athletic director Blake James, who told Golden of the decision Sunday night. “However, in this instance, all of our interests are best served by moving forward and looking ahead, not behind.”

Golden went 32-25 with the Hurricanes and 17-18 in Atlantic Coast Conference play, his entire stint marred by an NCAA investigation and subsequent fallout caused by things that happened before he arrived in Coral Gables. His last game with Miami was a 58-0 loss to then-No. 6 Clemson, a result that had fans booing from the stands and calling for his departure — as many angrily had for some time.

Miami (4-3, 1-2) plays at Duke on Saturday night. The Hurricanes are to resume practice Tuesday.

O’Leary Retires

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Following one of the worst starts in program history, George O’Leary is retiring as UCF’s football coach, effective immediately, the school announced Sunday.

It comes a day after the Knights dropped to 0-8 with a 59-10 loss to Houston, the worst home defeat in school history. Quarterbacks coach Danny Barrett has been named interim coach.

The decision ends a tumultuous season marked by a rash of injuries and dismal on-field play that was punctuated by UCF being ranked last in Football Bowl Subdivision in total offense.