Last donation: Heriberto S., McDonough, GA, 4/24/23 (thanks, Heriberto!!) Two on 4/14/23 (thanks to Joe F. and Ross M. ); Tom W., Palm Coast, Fla. 2/18/23 (thanks, Tom!!!)Ed P., Yardley, Pa. (1/9/23; thanks, Ed,) Lawrence S., West Chester, Pa., 12/28/22, our first contribution in over a month (thanks Larry, this will help in having to replace the printer we purchased in the summer that went on the fritz); Bob C., Chadds Ford, Pa., 11/27/22 (thanks Bob, our first contribution since September) Ed P., Perkasie, Pa. who donated 9/24/22 at the UMass game and Ed and I both remember and love Pennridge coach Wayne Helman; Joe S. (Delaware County), 9/3/22 (thanks Joe, hope to see you at Lafayette or RU); James G. (thanks James and for all the great posts you make on this site),, 7/29/22: Matt P. (former Al Golden player, thank you Matt for the generous donation it will be put to good use as we will explain in Monday’s post), 6/9/22; Matt F., Horsham, Pa. (thanks, Matt!!), June 6, 2022; David, B., Milton, DE (thanks, Dave), April 11, 2022: Andy B., Philadelphia, Pa. (our first donation of 2022, thanks Andy), March 3, 2022; Ed P., Yardley, Pa. 12/25/21 (thanks, Ed for the Christmas donation); Matt F., no hometown found (“a celebratory donation for Carey’s firing”), 11/30/21 thanks, Matt; Jon E., Cincinnati, Ohio, 11/29/21 (thanks, Jon for the donation and the great comments on this site); James G., Royersford, Pa. 11/28/21 (thanks, Jim, for the donations and your comments on the website); Anonymous (no home town given but donation really appreciated), 11/20/2021; Roger D., Rehoboth Beach,, Del., 10/24/21; Joe S., Drexel Hill, Pa. 10/3/21 (thanks, Joe) At the BC game (9/18), John from Landenburg (thanks, John for being a great friend of this site for so many years); Three Aug. 21 donations: Eric A (former player), Atlanta, Ga; Anonymous (by request), Cincinnati, Oh; Tim R., Buffalo, N.Y. (sincere thanks to all); David N., Silver Springs, Md (thanks Dave) 7/10/21; former Temple player Matt P., who lives in Columbus, GA now (thanks Matt) 7/9/21; Joe F., Philadelphia (4/7/11, thanks Joe) Matt F., Horsham, Pa., 3/27/21 (thanks, Matt); Jon E., Cincinnati, Ohio (1/31/21, thanks Jon) Ed P.,, Yardley, Pa. (thanks, Ed, much appredicated), 1/16/21; Mitchell S. , 12/21/20, our first contribution since (10/8) earlier, Former Owl Bruce G., Flourtown, Pa, who generously donated $100 in “honor” of the Ambler guy 10/8/20; (if they hate you in Ambler, we love you in Flortown,” BG says). Thanks, BG, we appreciate it; Earlier: James G., Philadelphia (7/21/20, thanks James) Robert B., Philadelphia (7/13/20, thanks, Bob, hope to see you at the tailgates again this fall); Previous: Jon E. from Cincinnati 6/15/20, our first donation this calendar year (thanks, Jon); Earlier, John from Landenberg; Kurt B., Wyomissing Hills, PA (former Temple player, 10-15-19) Earlier: David B. , Springfield, PA (9/26/19 … thanks, Dave!) also John from Landenberg (9/21/19); Tom W., Palm Coast, Fla. (8/22/19, thanks Tom!! Also, 10 days earlier, Bob. C and Joe S. and, on June 26, first bowl MVP Mark B.
Earlier: Matt F., Philadelphia; Matt P. (former Temple player) John from Landenberg and Jon E. from Cincinnati
Jay M. no hometown found ; Earlier: William B. Chicago; John from Landenberg, ; Mark B, South Jersey, Joe S, Springfield, PA…,
Also:
Ed P., Perkasie, Pa; and Richard W. (no hometown given); Phil E., Lorton, Va.; Tim C., no hometown available; Bob C., David B., Springfield (Montco); Mark B., from South Jersey; John from Landenberg, Pa.; Joe S., Primos, PA; Thomas W., Palm Coast Fla; Jon E., Cincinnati; Mike S.,no hometown; Ed P., Yardley; William B., Chicago; Matt M., Philadelphia; Matt T.., Oreland; Kevin H., Philadelphia; John from Landenberg, Pa.; Carl M, Silver Spring, Md.;; Brett K., Swedesboro, N.J.; Joe S., Primos, Pa.; Ed M., Paoli, Pa.; Phil E., Lorton, Va.; Ross M., Garden City, NY; David K., Malvern; Jon E., Cincinnati ; Jon, SE Ohio; Cordalia and Jim S., Eastampton, NJ.; Herb G., Newport News, Va.; Richard W., Royersford; Matt T., Philadelphia, Pa.; MWB, Mechanicsville, Va.; Phil E., Lorton, Va.; K.J., Alexandria, Va.; Jeff D., Philadelphia,; Michael R., Philadelphia,Matt T, Philadelphia, Pa.; Ed M., Paoli, Pa.(8 in a row for 8 in a row, thanks EM); Jake and Diane Gicker, Dunmore, Pa.; Ed M., Paoli, Pa.; Adrian R. Sr., Harrisburg, Pa.; Frank M., Marlton, N.J.; Ernie, Millville, N.J.; ; Jay M., Salem, Ore.; Joe S., Primos, Pa.; Phil E., Lorton, Va; Tom W., Palm Coast, Fla.; Matt M., (five donations in a row); Kevin F., Philadelphia, Pa.;Matt M. (three donations in a row, thanks, Matt); Matt M.; Matt M.; Brian C., Philadelphia, Pa.; Matt M., Hometown ;Unknown; David N., Silver Spring, Md.; Matt M., hometown unknown; Frank K., Horseheads, N.Y.; Mike F., Montauk, N.Y.; John, Landenberg, Pa.; Michael B, D.C.; Joe S., Primos, Pa.; James G., Philadelphia, Pa.; Michael R., Philadelphia, Pa.; David N., Silver Spring (Md.);
Mark H., Gilbertsville, Pa.; Lisa M., Hummelstown, Pa.; Johnny Who, West Chester, Pa.; John T., Medford, N.J. (formerly North Catholic, Philly); Jon, SE Ohio; Jay M., Salem, Ore.; Dan M., Moscow, Pa.; Cyrus, Oklahoma City; Jon E., Cincinnati; Chris K., Harrisburg, Pa.; Chip M., Silver Spring, Md.; Dave B., Springfield, Pa.; Kent J., Alexandria, Va.; Ross M., Garden City, N.Y.; Joe S., Primos, Pa.; Ed F., Philadelphia, Pa.; Frank P., Jamison, Pa.; Jon E., Cincinnati, Ohio; Phil E., Lorton, Va.; Matt G., Haddonfield, N.J.; Tom L., Charlottesville, Va.; Thomas S., Landisville, Pa.; Jack D., Haddonfield, N.J.; Heriberto S., McDonough, Ga; Dr. Jim S., Mt. Pleasant, S.C.; Dick White, Milton, Del.; Matt T., Philadelphia; Jerome S., North Caldwell, N.J.; Mike D., Fairview, N.C.; Tim W., Myerstown, Pa.; Edward P., Yardley, Pa.; Tom W., Palm Coast, Fla.; Kurt B., Wyomissing, Pa.; Joe S., Primos, Pa.; Tom S., East Norriton, Pa.; Jon E., Cincinnati, Ohio; Matt T., Yardley, Pa.; Steve C., West Chester, Pa.; Floyd, Blackwood, N.J.; Jim J., Chalfont, Pa.; John, Landenberg, Pa; Jon E., Cincinnati; Ron A., Camp Hill, Pa.; Jay S., Jenkintown, Mr. John H.; Jonathan N., Atlanta, Ga.; Michael E., Levittown, Pa.; Ted D., Media, Pa. Nick and Sharon, Upper Bucks County; Phil E., Lorton, Va.; Todd H., New York City; Alex H., Westport, CT; Joe S., Primos, PA; Kent J., Alexandria, Va.; Ross M., Garden City, N.Y.; Stanley G., Mountain Top, Pa.; David N., Silver Spring, Md.; Micah F., Philadelphia, Pa.; James S., Mt. Pleasant, S.C.; Tom W., Palm Coast, Fla.; Johnny B. at the Hill Studio, Paulsboro, N.J.; Nick C., Philadelphia; Tom C., Birmingham, Ala.; Phil. E. (Fast Phil), Lorton, Va; Jerome S., North Caldwell, N.J.; Kent J., Alexandria, Va.; George P., Downingtown, Pa.; Edward F., Philadelphia; Bryan S., North East, Pa.; Josh P., West Chester, Pa.; Brent Z., Atlanta, Ga.; David B., Springfield (D), Pa; Lisa M., Hummelstown, Pa.; David H., Pottstown, Pa.; Brian O., Ambler, Pa; Frank P., Jamison, Pa.; Brian C., Philadelphia; Mark B., Manlius, N.Y.; Ted D., Media; Scott J., Columbus, Ohio; Thomas H., Mullica Hill, N.J.; George T., Rehoboth Beach, Del.; Rob G., Fleetwood, Pa; Steve C., West Chester, Pa.; Fred A., St. Augustine, Fla.; Michael S., Westfield, N.J.; John, Landenberg, Pa.; Kent J., Alexandria, Va.; Frank P., Jamison, Pa; Matt G., Basking Ridge, N.J.; Joe S., Primos, PA; Nick and Sharon, Upper Bucks County; John T., Medford, N.J.; Cap P., Finksburg, Md; Coolowl, New York City; Michael B., Washington, D.C.; Oakee, Salem, VA; Rob from Fleetwood; John from New Kensington; Kathyrn, Bloomingville, Ohio; Rockland Owl; Matt, Haddonfield, N.J.; Anthony, New York City; Jason F., Berlin (N.J.); Ed, New Hope; Mark B., Manlius, N.Y.; Mike, Lindenwold, N.J.; Tom C., Birmingham, Ala. Jim, Mt. Pleasant, S.C.; Kurt, Wyomissing Hills, PA;
Dave, Ocean City, N.J.; James, Chalfont; Ross, Garden City (N.Y.); Schmitty, Ocean City, N.J.; Sarge (via Schmitty);
Broad Street Leon; Martin, Encino (Calif.); John, Boston; Mike, Susannanoa, N.C.; Francis, Lansdale; Tom L., Charlottesville, Va.; Mark, Gilbertsville, Pa.; Frank, Sebastian, Fla.; George, Toms River, N.J.; Tom, Branchburg, N.J.; Chris, Philly (our first Philly donation!); John, Landenberg, Pa.; Tom S. East Norriton, Pa.;
Temple Football Forever 
Was their a guy with head coaching experience out their that was a slam dunk? X’s and O’s he seams similar to Snow, but I think he will blow Snow away on the recruiting end.
The question is who will be the OC? Will he keep Thomas?
Thomas is a Texas native, so he’s as good as gone. Not sure how plugged in Collins is to top-level assistants. That’s one thing Daz did well, bringing Florida DC Heater and QB coach Loeffler to run the Owls. I don’t expect a similar raid on McElwain’s staff. I do think Matt will talk him into keeping Foley, which would be a good start. Then Foley will have to recruit other staffers who don’t want to move to the Waco compound.
As with all hires only time will tell. I think the Owls have done a lot of homework and sourced a candidate who appears very qualified as we sit here without him ever having coached a game. I expect he’ll have some hiccups, hopefully not as severe as MR during his first couple of seasons, the question will be whether and how quickly he learns to be a head coach.
I hope he’s able to effectively recruit top-tier talent which should create some forgiveness for minor coaching gaffes. I also hope he’s able to surround himself with quality coordinators who have the autonomy to do their jobs. GC has been handed a winning team and culture both on and off the field. It’s my sincerest hope he has the character to continue to build on our tradition of focusing on developing the players as students and good human beings (likely not a skill he would have learned in the SEC).
Went to bed thinking we were getting KC Keeler, woke up with a Geoff Collins. I will gladly take the latter.
Wonder if the guy had contacted anyone on N Broad before discovery? No other place to put this, sorry. At least the new staff won’t be pulled into this mess.
http://campussports.net/2016/12/13/wake-forest-radio-announcer-tommy-elrod-fired-for-leaking-info-to-opponents-since-2014/
Mike if I recall you too were very high on one Bob Diaco.
You recall wrong. I was NEVER high on hiring any assistant coach ever. I always have been, are and will continue to be for hiring head coaches over assistant coaches as long as the head guys have won at the FBS level.
While it remains to be seen what kind of game day coach he will be, it is more important what kind of Staff he puts together and how well they can recruit. A coach’s mistakes are highlighted when they don’t have the talent to overcome them.
Rhule has no ties to TX. So he hires the president of TX high school football coaches association. Genius! Cant wait to see what this staff looks like.
I wouldn’t call Diaco a terrible hire for UConn as much as I would say that taking the UConn job was a terrible decision for Bob Diaco…..
It’s only a terrible decision if you think no one can win at Uconn. I think you can win at UConn with the right person. Matt Rhule would have won at UConn. That fact accepted, Diaco is and remains a terrible hire for Uconn.
Positive step forward at least. We have a coach. Golden left, Daz left, Rhule left and the program stayed strong. Have to hope the trend continues.
Time to focus on recruits. Definitely some shoes to fill.
There is a vanishingly small, highly-debatable list of “sure things” when it comes to coaching. They are available to Alabama, Ohio State, and maybe a few others by a combination of money, legacy, and program scale. Everyone else–and that includes LSU, Notre Dame, USC, Texas, etc., etc.,–“rolls the dice.” That is reflected in the high turnover.
For what little it’s worth, I’m much happier to roll the dice with a (relative) unknown who is hungry to make a name than a coach for whom Temple would be a fallback rut. That includes a *2016* Al Golden, who seemed to be your preferred pick.
I enjoy your site and respect you for keeping up the fight during the bad times, but I’m pretty happy with this hire.
That first paragraph reflects the sad state of college football today and, unfortunately, why probably every Temple football HC hiring from now on will be a crapshoot.
I think his point is, every hire is a crapshoot. Sure, there are higher percentage bets, but Charlie Strong was supposed to knock it out of the park once he had the talent level that Texas provided. Will Muschamp was a surefire pick at UF. Kevin Sumlin is on a red hot seat in College Station already.
On the flip, 3 years ago who would have bet that Matt Rhule would be in a position to turn down Oregon? Who thought Craig Bohl would do anything at Wyoming?
It’s all a crapshoot.
As the despicable and incompetent warrior (but brilliant philosopher) Donald Rumsfeld once said, “You go to war with the army you have, not the army you might want or wish to have.”
Ray Gassert said it better than I could.
I like to load my craps and mark my cards. Temple would have done that with a proven FBS head coaching winner.
Mike, that is depressing. Cold and true, but depressing nonetheless. We have every right to be bitter that a program nearly cancelled a decade ago finished twice in the Top 25 in back to back season (with all the other accolades as well).
Arms race whether we like it or not. The rest is proving grounds.
Sorry D Mark but that Rumsfeld quote was anything but philosophical. It was an excuse for not being prepared and endangering our troops.
Right now I hope the coaches for our bowl game are getting things prepared and the kids are fired up. Temple, the players and fans need this win. Then next year let the new coach see what he can do and hopefully be successful, sooner than later. First things first.
As I recall, Matt Rhule was a mediocre coach his first and second year. Collins success depends on the one thing most football programs lack that Temple has: patience and perseverance. Toughness is 50% patience and 50% perseverance and the rest is grit, blood, sweat, and tears.
PS. Quoting Donald Rumsfeld is like stuffing cow dung in your audience’s ears.
I agree that a proven winning FBS coach is preferable, but who was that guy? Lane Kiffin walked into a better situation at FIU. They have been 3-9 forever. His name alone will get hime recruits and he will have that team to 9-3 in a couple of years and a better job.
Temple plays in a tough conference and is coming off back to back 10 win seasons. Next year will be a step back. It will take the new coach a couple of years to build it back up. Plus it is a much tougher league than C-USA.
I am not sure what coach was available.
Houston went in house because no one would agree to the buyout amount.
FAU took Kiffin knowing he’s gone as soon as he is able. That was worth it to them. (I wonder how pissed LSU is now; Orgeron got that job in large part because of his perceived ability to deliver Kiffin as OC)
If you were Charlie Strong’s friend, you’d probably tell him to take the USF job over Temple.
Collins isn’t a letdown in my mind. You’re either getting a P5 coordinator, a damaged P5 HC, a retread or a reach when you’re a G5 school.
Absence of Al Golden has made the heart grow fonder; he wasn’t exactly Vince Lombardi here. He’s a rock of integrity, he’s a great program builder, great to lead you through the darkness. But is he really the right coach to take a pre-built program to the next level? He’s a known, but to achieve the next level, you have to take a shot sometimes. The known is comfortable and easy but not necessarily the best option.
Rhule said something in the course of his McQueary defamation trial testimony that made an impression on me:
“Rhule noted he was filling his staff primarily with people for whom Temple was a step up; where the call to join the Owls’ program in Philadelphia ‘was the greatest moment of their lives.'”
Besides the enthusiasm that new blood brings, I’m honestly at a loss to identify a bona fide top 10-caliber FBS coach (Golden is none of those) who was available. The closest I could come up with is Les Miles.
Are you sure they weren’t trying to hire a head coach? Seems like there was interest in Bobby Wilder but it looks like he signed a contract extension with ODU. Is that because Temple turned him down or the other way around?
Putting aside Rumsfeldian wisdom (I did note he was despicable and incompetent), my point was I’m simply not going to pine for the unobtainable.
all things considered Collins is an eight, right now.., won/loss will determine if the eight goes up to nine or ten, or down to seven or five.., Pat Kraft got the guy he wanted and the guy who believes in the Temple Brand of Football.., pleasantly surprised.., MR left talent on the table
I’ll leave this as a ‘7’ for now.
– Knowing he sent a lot of D-linemen to the NFL (just last season) is refreshing, especially considering he has two 4-star players on the next season’s Owls Roster!
With Fletcher Cox being his biggest star former player, perhaps the Eagles will stop hating Temple players. Tavon Young would sure look good in midnight green right now……
Guy sorta looks like and sounds like James Gandolfini but with a southern accent.
I don’t know John. I lived in the south for a long time and Collins accent isn’t very southern. He’ll sound ok in living rooms up here.