To no one's surprise Temple has fired head coach Stan Drayton after 3 years at the helm of the program. Defensive coordinator Everett Withers will coach the final 2 games for Temple. The move comes less than a day after Temple's overtime thrilling victory over Florida Atlantic.
Drayton became the 2nd straight Owls coach to be fired. Rod Carey lasted just two games more than Drayton. Temple has had a long success of head coaches. Prior to Carey, the 4 previous head coaches (Al Golden, Steve Addazio, Matt Rhule, and Geoff Collins) all left Temple for a Power 5 job. Temple will now look to find their next leader.
Temple is in an interesting position right now. They are a rebuilding program that has a history of success at the Group of 5 level. Finding the right coach is a priority over hiring the best coach. Many people always wonder, what does it take to coach at the group of 5 level. It would be easy to go to one of the top programs, hire a top assistant and hope for the best. However, we have seen those guys not succeed at the G5 level. So, what are the 3 key areas that a coach must have to coach at the G5 level?
History of successful program rebuild
There is no question that the Temple program needs to be rebuilt. The next leader of Temple needs to have a history of being a member of a staff that has rebuilt a program. That does not mean they are a previous or current head coach, but maybe a long-time assistant to a coach that has rebuilt a program. The issue with Drayton when he was hired was, he has no history of being in a program that was rebuilt. His previous stops were at blue blood programs.
He can recruit and utilizes the talent he has
The top recruits in the country are not lined up Broad St. right now trying to be the next Temple Owl. The top recruits in Philadelphia are not even lining up trying to play in Philadelphia. The next coach needs to have a history of successful recruiting. If he cannot bring in any talent, then Temple will be looking for a new coach in 3 more years. On top of being able to recruit, the next coach needs to be able to bring the best out of his players. You can bring in every 5-star recruit in the country, but if you are unable to bring the best out of each guy, then you might as well bring in a 1-star recruit.
Ability to tap into NIL
Welcome to the new era of college football. Philadelphia is one of the biggest cities in America and Temple has a great alumni base. Even though this will fall more under Temple's new President and their current Athletic Director, the next head coach will need to be able to fundraise via NIL.
Is there a coach that is going to be able to check all 3 boxes and come to Temple? Probably not. However, here are the foundations Temple should use for their next coaching search. So, let's now name a few candidates that Temple should target.
Jim Clements- Kutztown Head Coach
To sum up Clements' 17-year career as a head coach, he wins. In 8 seasons at Division III Delaware Valley, Clements was 66-24. In his 9 seasons at Division II Kutztown he is 79-28. Over his career he has 8 conference championships and appeared in the semifinals of the Division II playoffs last season. Even though he has no experience at the FBS level, he has a long history of success at every stop they have made. With knowledge of the Pennsylvania high school football scene already, this should be Temple's top choice.
Mark Ferrante- Villanova Head Coach
Another coach with strong Philadelphia ties. Ferrante has been on the Villanova coaching staff since 1987 and the head coach since 2017. Villanova has finished ranked in the top 10 of the FBS standings twice in the last 3 seasons under Ferrante. He knows Philadelphia well. He is much older, but if Temple wants another local guy, Ferrante is an option.
Tino Sunseri- Indiana QB Coach & Co-Offensive Coordinator
Sunseri should be a top commodity during this upcoming coaching carousel. Sunseri was hired by Curt Cignetti at James Madison in 2021. He was a key member of his staff that rebuilt the Dukes' roster and integral in their move from FCS to FBS. He followed Cignetti to Indiana, and he has continued his success as a member of his staff. Sunseri also spent time at Alabama and was on their staff for their 2020 National Championship team. He has success with rebuilding programs, known as a great recruiter, and has ties to Pennsylvania.
Terry Smith- Penn State Associate Head Coach & Cornerbacks
One of the original members of James Franklin's inaugural staff at Penn State. Over the last 11 years he has added assistant head coach and associate head coach to his title. As a coach, Smith has coached multiple players to All-Big Ten honors and has been instrumental in building one of the nation's top defenses over the years. On top of his impressive coaching resume, Smith is known as one of the nation's best recruiters and has ranked top 20 nationally for multiple years in a row. Smith has had ton of success of recruiting in the Philadelphia area and has led Penn State's recruiting efforts in this area since 2021.
Al Golden- Former Temple Head coach & Current Notre Dame Defensive Coordinator
This may seem like a longshot. Golden's tenure at Temple began the start of the success of Temple football. He would definitely bring back the excitement of the program.
Jerry Mack- Jacksonville Jaguars Running Back Coach
Mack is the former head coach of North Carolina Central. In his 4 seasons at the helm of the Eagles, he was 31-15 with 3 conference championships and an appearance in the 2016 Celebration Bowl. He is not having a ton of success in the NFL, and he could make the jump back to college football. This would be a risk, but he has NFL and collegiate experience and was a successful head coach before.
Jeff Nixon- Syracuse Offensive Coordinator
My top choice to take over the Temple program would be Matt Rhule. However, I don't think Temple is going to be able to sway Rhule away from Nebraska. Nixon was on the Al Golden's staff in 2006 alongside Rhule and followed Rhule to Baylor and the Carolina Panthers. Known as one of the best running back coaches in the game, Nixon has bounced around, but he has had success at every stop he has had. Knowing what a successful program looks like and a history with Temple, Nixon could be a good match.
Jason Kelce- Philadelphia Legend
If there is anyone in Philadelphia that could bring some excitement to Temple, it would be the biggest icon in the city right now.
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