Report: Temple offers job to Rhule

Temple has made an offer to New York Giants assistant Matt Rhule to become the Owls' new head coach, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press. The person spoke on anonymity Friday because Rhule had not yet formally accepted the position. Rhule was one of the final two candidates for the job. The person said University of Miami defensive coordinator Mark D'Onofrio withdrew from consideration. The Owls are in the market for their third coach in four seasons, following Steve Addazio's departure to Boston College last week. Temple went 4-7 this season after having three straight winning seasons and playing in two bowl games under Addazio and Al Golden. The Giants play Sunday at Atlanta, which means Rhule might not be introduced as the new coach until next week, possibly as early as Monday. Rhule has strong ties to Temple, a factor high on the university's wish list after Addazio bolted after only two seasons. Rhule spent six seasons on the Owls' coaching staff before joining Tom Coughlin's staff as the Giants' assistant offensive line coach. Rhule, who played four seasons at Penn State, was the assistant offensive coordinator and tight ends coach, as well as the recruiting coordinator, when he left for the Giants. Under Rhule's lead, Temple's recruiting class ranked No. 1 in the Mid-American Conference from 2006-2008. Once one of the worst programs in the nation, the Owls found their footing in the MAC, but struggled in a return to the Big East this season. Temple Athletic Director Bill Bradshaw said this week about 75 people had expressed interest in the program's vacant football job. Eagles defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, a former Owl, confirmed he interviewed for the job. Bradshaw said it was important to hire someone who ''embraces everything Temple.'' He found his man.