In a bleak year for Philadelphia sports, Temple football stood out. Behind the team s success? Head Coach Matt Rhule, who was recently named CBS Philly s 2015 Sportsperson of the year.
By many measures, it was a historic year for Temple football: There was a win against longtime rival Penn State, a seven-game winning streak to start the season, a nationally broadcast game against legendary powerhouse Notre Dame and the American Athletic East Division championship.
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Joseph Santoliquito from CBS Philly said of Rhule: He did something once thought of as an impossibility in this city: He made Temple football relevant.
However, Rhule, the ultimate team player, credits his players and coaching staff for the team s ascent.
It s not about me. It was about those kids, Rhule said. They stayed focused and I m really proud of them. I m proud of the job that our staff did.
This isn t the first time Rhule has been recognized for a stellar season. He was also a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Award and a semifinalist for the George Munger Award each given annually to the nation's best college football coach and won the prestigious Maxwell Club s Tri-State Coach of the Year.
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“It’s not about me. It was about those kids. They stayed focused and I’m really proud of them.