Report: Rutgers interested in Temple's Addazio

TEMPLE FOOTBALL coach Steve Addazio will be a candidate to replace Greg Schiano at Rutgers, the Newark Star-Ledger reported.

Schiano yesterday accepted the head coaching job of the NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

A source indicated to the Star-Ledger that Addazio, after only one season on North Broad, actually could be the Scarlet Knights' first target.

Right after the season, Addazio's name was linked to the opening at Illinois. Temple athletic director Bill Bradshaw confirmed that Illinois contacted him for permission to talk with Addazio. But Bradshaw said that when he approached Addazio, the former Florida offensive coordinator told him he wasn't interested.

National signing day is Wednesday, so Rutgers obviously would like to get something done as soon as possible. While sources said that there's been no official contact, it is interesting to note that Addazio has the same agent as Schiano.

When reached last night, Bradshaw understandably said he couldn't comment.

Another name that has surfaced is Florida International coach Mario Cristobal, who was a member of the Rutgers' staff from 2001-03. Some felt Addazio's predecessor at Temple, New Jersey native Al Golden, might be a possibility after only one season at Miami. But apparently his contract, which was recently extended, contains a hefty buyout clause.

Addazio guided the Owls to a 9-4 record in 2011, which included an impressive win over Wyoming in the New Mexico Bowl, following a second-place finish in the MAC East.