Temple Football Head Coach Matt Rhule Leaving For Baylor University

Matt Rhule's time as Temple's head football coach has come to an end, according to reports.

The university announced Rhule will be heading to Baylor University in Waco, Texas and that Assistant Head Coach, Tight Ends Coach, and Special Teams Coach Ed Foley will serve as interim head coach for the Dec. 27 Military Bowl in Annapolis when the Owl taken on Wake Forest.

Baylor's website said Rhule will be introduced officially on the school's campus Wednesday.

"I am truly honored and humbled to join the Baylor Family and I can't thank President Garland and Mack Rhoades enough for this incredible opportunity," Rhule said in a statement on Baylor's website. "Baylor is a tremendous institution with a history of football success and I know the passion that so many have for the Bears will help bring the community together to reach even greater heights. I am excited to get started."

Temple's Athletic Director Patrick Kraft said Rhule's decision was not an easy one, saying Rhule and his family made Temple their home and lifted the football program to new levels.

"What Matt achieved on North Broad Street was remarkable and went well beyond the victories and championships," Kraft said. "He helped build a tremendous program for student-athletes to earn their degrees and to develop as young men. On behalf of the Temple community, we wish him and his family all the best."

Rhule turned the program around, with his first season in 2013 ending with a 2-10 record. Under Rhule, the Owls then achieved a 6-6 season in 2014 and 10-4 in 2015. This season, the Owls are 10-3 and are hoping to make that 11-3 with a win at the Military Bowl.

In moving forward, Kraft said the program will "not compromise the thoroughness that any coaching search demands" while finding a new head coach.

"There is no one defining characteristic that we will seek in our next coach, other than someone who shares our values; who has a path forward for championships on the field and for developing our student-athletes off the field; and who has a strong desire to be a part of the Temple family," Kraft said. "We are excited to begin to write the next chapter of Temple Football."

Image via Temple University Facebook