Report: Temple to Hire Florida Gators DC Geoff Collins as Next Head Coach

Geoff Collins (Photo Credit: Ryan Jones, 247Sports)

After Temple head coach Matt Rhule left the Owls to take the head coaching position at Baylor, the school was left to find a new head man. According to ESPN, the Owls have found their guy.

Sources told ESPN Tuesday morning Temple has agreed to hire Florida defensive coordinator, Geoff Collins. Collins has spent the past two seasons leading the Gators defense.

In 2016, the Gators rank No. 6 in the FBS in total yards allowed (298.3), and ranked 8th nationally in 2015 with 310.2.

Prior to arriving at Florida, Collins spent four seasons at Mississippi State on Dan Mullen’s defensive staff. He also spent time at Florida International, Alabama, Georgia Tech, and Central Florida.

The defensive mindset of Collins could be a tremendous fit for the Owls. He will be the fourth consecutive coached hired to lead the Owls that has had no previous head coaching experience.

Rhule decided to leave after leading Temple to a  10-3 record this season. The Owls won a conference championship for the first time since 1967, defeating Navy in the American Athletic Conference Championship Game.

The Owls will will face Wake Forest in the Military Bowl on Dec. 27.

While no official announcement has been made yet, reports have stated the contract will be for five years.