I dont agree with the idea that you can't still be just as determined and hard working while being seduced by an NFL team at the same time.The newish reality of all this is that coaches, assistants, etc leave on a regular basis anymore. If you're good at what you do... someone else is going to want to hire you.
My biggest issue with all this is that everyone, NFL and NCAA should freeze any transactions like this until after their respective season is over. The NFL is about as sleezy as they come anyway, but poaching college coaches before their season is over is bad.
One does have to question where Goldens head was prior to that game Monday night. You know for a fact that Cincy was in talks with him prior to that game and most likely for several weeks. This crap doesn't just happen over night.
I think the competitive spirit trumps all else with these coaches at this level. They love what they do and they dont like getting beat. This love/competitive spirit for the sport is essential to rising to the top or else someone else will just out work you and take your job. They are already putting in insane/infinite amounts of hours at the office out of sheer passion/love/competitive drive probably in most cases. If he wants several hours during his week to flirt with the NFL that is his business.