If you are a Temple student, College Football fan, or a Philadelphian, you know the name Matt Rhule. In his third year as head coach of the Temple Football team he has turned a program that was 2-10 three years ago to a 10-3, divisional championship team heading to their first bowl game since 2011. Through his coaching, humility, and dedication, he has won over the hearts of the Temple community and the city of Philadelphia. Here are a few reasons why:
1. He’s Passionate
If you ever look over at Rhule during a game, he’s probably being pretty animated. Good play? He’s grinning or giving a “Tiger Woods-esque” fist pump. Bad play? You can see the disappointment through his gritted teeth. Bad call? He’s in the ref’s ear. It’s safe to say that no one wants to win more than Matt Rhule. Perhaps the most emotional and passionate post-game press conference Rhule delivered was after their loss to Notre Dame. While he was extremely proud of the effort put forth by his team, he seems to have a hard time getting through the presser. The passion in Matt Rhule is evident, and his team and the fans respond to it.
2. He Means Business
Don’t mistake his passion for weakness. Coach Rhule doesn’t mess around when it comes to his job. With the team’s early motto being “Leave No Doubt”, he’s certainly enforced that. A bowl eligible Temple team last year was not selected to play in a bowl game. This season, Matt Rhule led his team to the 6 wins needed for eligibility in a perfect manner. Yes, a perfect 6-0 after defeating UCF. The motto then transitioned to “What’s Next?” Matt Rhule and his team’s celebrations are short-lived, because their eyes are always on the next target. And who could forget when Matt Rhule had Wide Reciever Ventell Bryant doing up-downs on the sidelines after his end zone celebration? No time for showing off on a Matt Rhule football team.
3. He Credits Everything to His Team
If you have ever listened to an interview of Coach Rhule, there’s one thing he never fails to mention: his guys. Any time he is congratulated on a win, he gives all the credit to the players. Rhule is always expressing his gratitude to be able to coach his team. Even during the recent speculation that he was receiving offers to coach at other schools, he deferred the conversation away from himself and focused on his team. And although he would never take credit for it, the passion and determination shown by his players is a reflection of their coach.
4. He Loves Temple Fans
It’s one thing for Matt Rhule to express his love for his team, but he is truly grateful for the Temple fans. Temple fans took over Independence Mall for ESPN’s College Game Day, the first to ever be hosted by Temple University. That same night the Owl’s played Notre Dame in front of a sold out crowd at Lincoln Financial Field. In his post-game press conference Rhule expressed his gratitude for the Temple fans that made the day so special. Before the Temple/Memphis game on November 21st, Rhule did something extra special for a few Temple fans. In a tweet posted by the Cherry Crusade, a club for Temple’s die-hard student fans, they explained how Coach Rhule personally thanked a few Cherry Crusade members in person and then offered to purchase textbooks for them. Rhule is out to prove he loves the Temple fans just as much as they love him.
5. He’s Loyal
There was a lot of speculation recently about Coach Rhule leaving Temple and going to coach at another school. His coaching skills have not gone unnoticed to other football programs in need of a Matt Rhule, and teams were interested. However, Rhule chose to accept a new contract with Temple and remain as head coach. He also attended his senior linebacker, Tyler Matakevich’s, award ceremony where he received the Bronko Nagurski award. Like a proud father, he videotaped from the stands as Matakevich was named the nation’s top defensive player. He tweeted out the video, which is just one of many tweets where he brags about his players.
Whether he’s doing his pre-game sprints, addressing the media, or on the field coaching, Matt Rhule bleeds cherry and white. Rhule embodies the grit, toughness, and determination of the Temple Owl. And while professional Philly sports continue to struggle, Philadelphians have joined temple students in cheering on Matt Rhule and his Temple Owls. Coach Rhule and his team will play Toledo in the Boca Raton Bowl on December 22nd at 7pm.