Addazio Says He's Raring To Go As Temple's New Head Coach
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Temple University has introduced its new head football coach, and it's Steve Addazio, who most recently had served as offensive coordinator at the University of Florida.
Addazio (in file photo above) says this was the right opportunity at the right time.
"To be able to be attached to a university like Temple, with such a great reputation, to be a part of this football program and the MAC (Mid American Conference), this is a special place right now and a special city," he told KYW Newsradio on Thursday.
Addazio also talked about what Owls fans can expect to see out of his football team:
"The number one thing is toughness, on both sides of the ball. And in the kicking game there is going to be toughness. There's going to be relentless play. There's going to be players flying around the field and playing with passion and playing with energy. That's what you can expect to see."
As far as assembling his coaching staff at Temple, Addazio said, "I'm going to take my time and make sure we bring the right people in. I want to have a chance to sit down with the people that are here. I'm not going to rush on that."
Although he was offensive coordinator at Florida, Addazio says he doesn't plan on calling the plays for the Owls.
"As the head coach it's hard to be a play caller," he said. "I think you have to manage the team and hire somebody to be a play caller. I'll be involved in all phases. Obviously my expertise is on the offensive side and special teams, but I think it is important to be involved in all phases of the football team."
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Addazio says he will still coach the Gators in their New Year's Day bowl game against Penn State, juggling that responsibility with getting his feet wet on North Broad Street (see previous story).
Reported by Matt Leon, KYW Newsradio 1060.
