The University of Florida will have to replace another coach (Will Muschamp replaced Urban Meyer) following the loss of Steve Addazio, who was the team’s offensive coordinator the past six seasons, to Temple University.
Addazio has spent the past 15 seasons with some of the best programs in college football. He was the offensive line/tight end coach at Syracuse from 1995-1998 until moving to Notre Dame until 2001. He then spent time with Indiana between 2002-2004 before taking over at Florida.
His experience will benefit Temple, but had it not been for his time at some of the nation’s top programs, he may not have received the chance to be a head coach for a Division I program.
“I’ve waited a long time to be a head football coach,” said Addazio “I’ve paid my dues in this business. It’s been my pleasure to serve some great players and coaches. I feel they’ve helped guide me.”
At the University of Florida, he experienced the likes of Tim Tebow, who won the Heisman in 2007 and Percy Harvin, who was selected to the 2009 Pro Bowl.
However, after taking over as the team’s offensive coordinator this past season following the loss of Dan Mullen to Mississippi State, the Florida offense was hit with a major drop-off. The Gators ranked 85th in passing yards per game (191.3) and 48th in points scored per game (29.3).
Temple, on the other hand, ranked 88th in passing yards per game (183.8) and 77th in points scored (25.0). The Owls (8-4) did finish with a better record than Florida (7-5), but did not earn a bowl bid, even though Florida did despite having fewer wins.
Replacing Al Golden, who left to be the head coach at the University of Miami, will not be an easy task. But luckily for Addazio, the Owls will return many key players, including their starting quarterback and their running back tandem of Bernard Pierce and Matt Brown.
For Addazio, becoming the head coach of Temple is a perfect gift during the holiday season.
“Urban [Meyer] knew my goal from the beginning has been to be a head football coach in the Northeast,” said Addazio, “I’m grateful this opportunity came up.”
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