Temple gives coach Matt Rhule new deal
Temple head coach Matt Rhule’s name was thrown around quite a bit in connection to other head coaching vacancies in recent weeks, but the university is committed to keeping Rhule in North Philadelphia.
Temple announced Monday that Rhule has agreed to a new contract. Rhule signed an extension over the summer that runs through the 2021 season. The length of Rhule’s new deal is the same but comes with an increased salary according to multiple reports.
Rhule, who is in his third year with the program, was set to make $1.5 million this season. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, his new salary is “well above the $1.5 million figure.” Additionally, according to ESPN and Sports Illustrated, Rhule also a received a commitment for upgraded facilities for the program.
Rhule’s Owls are 10-3 this season (including the program’s first win over Penn State in 74 years) and won the AAC East division title. Temple lost to Houston in the AAC title game over the weekend.
"While this has been such a special season, there is still so much more that Temple football can accomplish," Rhule said in a statement. "I am proud to coach such incredible student-athletes and I am honored to continue to be a part of the Temple community."
Rhule, 40, has an 18-19 overall record in three seasons with the program and previously spent six seasons at Temple as an assistant.
"Matt is one of the top coaches in college football and has been responsible for making Temple a national program," said athletic director Patrick Kraft. "He is an even better person off the field; a true leader who instills character and values in the men under his charge. I look forward to working with Matt in continuing to advance the program for many years to come."
The Owls will play Toledo in the Boca Raton Bowl on Dec. 22.
For more Temple news, visit OwlScoop.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
