Steve Addazio Introduced as New Temple Coach
Thursday, December 23, 2010 | Football, Scott Carter
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Florida offensive coordinator Steve Addazio on Thursday became the second Gators assistant in the past month to take over his own program.
Addazio was officially introduced as Temple's new head coach at a press conference in Philadelphia. Addazio replaces Al Golden, who was hired by Miami earlier this month.
Addazio will remain on Florida's staff through the Outback Bowl on Jan. 1, meaning he and Florida head coach Urban Meyer will go out together on the Gators' sideline. Meyer recently announced his resignation following the Outback Bowl against Penn State in Tampa.
During his six seasons at Florida, Addazio specialized in recruiting the Northeast and the Philadelphia area. A charged-up Addazio said Thursday that when he first heard the Temple job was open, he immediately pursued it with a passion.
“This is a diamond in the rough,'' Addazio said. “I knew this is where I wanted to be. It's awful great to be back in the Northeast, and it's awful great to be in Philadelphia at Temple University. This is a special place. I can feel it.
“You couldn't write a better script for me.''
Addazio becomes the 10th Meyer assistant to become a head coach, including the third in the past year, joining Louisville head coach Charlie Strong and North Texas head coach Dan McCarney.
“I'm happy for Steve Addazio and his family,'' Meyer said. “Steve has been extremely loyal to me and the University of Florida and I will be forever thankful for his unwavering commitment. His energy and passion have been well-documented and he is a tremendous recruiter and motivator.
“He is well respected by his peers and his players and I wish him nothing but the best."
When Meyer stepped away temporarily due to health concerns after the 2009 season, Addazio filled in as the interim leader of the program. He thanked Meyer and Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley on Thursday for giving him that opportunity.
“I've waited a long time to be a head football coach,'' Addazio said. “I've paid my dues in this business. I've worked with some great people. At the University of Florida, they entrusted me with that football program last winter to run it on an interim basis. It was a great experience for me.''
Addazio takes over a program that finished 8-4 last season under Golden.
Temple athletic director Bill Bradshaw was impressed by Addazio's energy and people skills during the interview process. He also wanted someone who was familiar with recruiting in the Northeast.
At Florida, Addazio landed several top recruits from the region such as current Gators quarterback/tight end Jordan Reed, a product of Addazio's native Connecticut.
Foley gave Temple's hiring a ringing endorsement after getting to know Addazio the past six years.
“Steve has been a big part of our success,'' Foley said. “Everyone that knows Steve knows what a loyal and passionate coach he is. He cares deeply about the players he coaches and he was a great motivator in the locker room. He has the ability to relate to players, but still maintains their respect.
“He was one of our top recruiters and his ties to the Northeast will be a good fit for Temple. More than anything, Coach Addazio is a good man with a good family.''
The 51-year old Addazio started out at Florida as offensive line coach but was elevated to offensive coordinator following Dan Mullen's departure to become Mississippi State's coach following the 2008 season. He served as associate head coach and offensive coordinator in 2010.
Addazio coached one of the most prominent offensive lines in UF history in 2008 that allowed Florida to rush for 3,236 yards, averaging a school-record5.9 yards per carry.
At Temple, Addazio takes over a team that returns 14 starters, including five All-Mid-America Conference selections.
Prior to his stint with the Gators, Addazio was an assistant at Syracuse (1995-98), Notre Dame (1999-2001) and Indiana (2002-04). His only head coaching experience came at Cheshire High School in Connecticut (1988-94).
He'll leave UF after the Outback Bowl with two national titles on his resume and a lot of good memories.
“We want to build and grow this program,'' Addazio said. “I had a chance to do that at Florida, to be a part of a solid program and build it into an elite program. I can't wait to start the new era here.''
MOVING ON UP
Gators offensive coordinator Steve Addazio was introduced as new head coach at Temple on Thursday. Addazio is the 16th assistant coach in UF history to be hired straight from Florida as a head coach and the eighth in the past 15 years.
Addazio is also the 10th Urban Meyer assistant to be hired as a head coach during Meyer's 10 years as a college head coach, the last six at Florida.
A look at Meyer's assistants who have taken over their own programs:
Coach Season School
Steve Addazio* … … … … 2011 … … … … … ..… … Temple
Dan McCarney* ..............2011 ................North Texas
Charlie Strong* ..............2010 .....................Louisville
Doc Holliday ..................2010 ......................Marshall
Dan Mullen* ..................2009 ............Mississippi State
Tim Beckman ................2009 ..........................Toledo
Gary Andersen ..............2009 ....................Utah State
Kyle Whittingham* ........2005 ............................Utah
Mike Sanford* ...............2005 ..........................UNLV
Gregg Brandon* ............2003 ............... Bowling Green
*Hired directly from a Meyer staff
