Rolovich accepts Owls offensive coordinator gig

Matt Rhule, Temple's new football coach, got the offensive coordinator he desired.

Sources have confirmed that Nick Rolovich agreed Saturday to become the Owls' next offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach. The 33-year-old spent this past season as Nevada's offensive coordinator after four years at Hawaii - including two as the Warriors' offensive coordinator.

The Reno Gazette-Journal reported that Rolovich was a potential fan favorite to replace Nevada head coach Chris Ault, who retired Friday. However, he opted instead to join Rhule's Temple staff where there reportedly was mutual interest before Ault resigned.

"Mom said never use the word hate," Rolovich tweeted Saturday night. "But I hate leaving the players at Nevada. Sure is something special in these guys."

The Wolf Pack averaged 38 points and 515 yards of offense in his lone season at the Mountain West Conference program. He'll take over an Owls' offense that averaged 24.7 points and 322 yards last season.

Nevada sophomore quarterback Cody Fajardo had a standout season under Rolovich's guidance. Fajardo completed 67 percent of his passes for 2,786 yards and 20 touchdowns to go with nine interceptions last season in Nevada's trademark pistol offense. He was also second on the team in rushing with 1,121 yards and 12 scores.

"I will always be there for you," Rolovich tweeted to Fajardo Saturday night. "Thank you for giving all u had. Lead the Pack."

Apparently, the respect was mutual.

"Now rolo ...," Fajardo tweeted about Rolovich leaving for Temple. "I wish you the best at Temple. U r 1 of the most inspirational coaches I have ever played for. U will be missed."