Millions of dollars are a powerful motivator, and a sum like that probably played a large role in Matt Rhule's decision to leave the upstart Temple Owls for the Baylor Bears, a program leveled by accusations of systemic sexual abuse coverups by former coach Art Briles, who can't even get an interview with Houston right now.
From baylorbears.com:
"We could not be more excited to welcome Matt, Julie and their children to the Baylor Family," said Rhoades. "When we set out on our search for a new leader of our football program, we wanted a coach who shared our values, who had demonstrated success, who showed a true commitment to the overall student-athlete and who we believed could lead Baylor to a national championship. We found all of that and more in Matt and I know that he will be a perfect fit with the Baylor Family."
Rhule served as Head Coach at Temple for four years, compiling a 14-2 conference record in the past two seasons, which included two bowl appearances, two American Athletic Conference East Division titles and the 2016 American Athletic Conference championship. It is the first time in Temple football history that it registered consecutive 10-win seasons and consecutive bowl game appearances. Prior to Temple as the Head Coach, Rhule served as an offensive line coach for the New York Giants in 2012, after coaching six years at Temple, first as the defensive line coach, before switching to quarterbacks and ultimately, to offensive coordinator in 2008. Prior to Temple, Rhule coached at Albright, Buffalo, UCLA and Western Carolina.
Baylor will introduce its new coach at a Wednesday press conference. Rhule may want to skip it to hit the recruiting trail, though. The Bears only have one commit in their 2017 class, three-star safety Jalen Pitre.
