We’ll take a break for a few minutes from attempting to divine the wisdom of yet another head-scratching decision on the part of the NCAA to put a nice little bow atop Temple’s search for a head coach.
Confirming the rumors that first surfaced Wednesday afternoon, Temple officially introduced now-former Florida offensive coordinator Steve Addazio as the 25th head coach in the school’s history. Addazio will replace Al Golden, the new Miami of Florida head coach who went 17-8 in his final two years at the school.
“This is truly a great day for Temple Football as Steve Addazio is the perfect coach to take the program to the next level,” Temple athletic director Bill Bradshaw said. “Steve brings a wealth of experience with some of the nation’s best programs. As one of the top recruiters in the country, Steve will be able to bring talented players to Temple, and with his vision and passion for the game, he will be able to lead them to success on the field.
“That success will also translate to the classroom, as Steve truly understands the mission of Temple University in putting the ‘student’ first in student-athlete.”
“It’s great to be back in the Northeast. I’d like to thank Bill Bradshaw and Dr. Ann Weaver Hart for giving me the opportunity to be here,” Addazio said. “I am honored. I am humbled to be standing here as the head football coach at Temple University. I will give everything I have to make Philadelphia and the University community proud.”
In addition to spending the past six seasons at Florida, Addazio has also spent time on staffs at Indiana, Notre Dame and Syracuse.