Owls begin search for coach

Temple announced Tuesday night that it will launch a national search for a new football coach after losing Al Golden to Miami on Sunday.

The university was expected to consider Mark D'Onofrio, Golden's defensive coordinator and longtime friend, seriously for the position. But it appears that D'Onofrio is following Golden to the Hurricanes.

Golden did not name his assistants on Monday at his news conference in Miami.

Over the last two seasons under Golden and his staff, the Owls enjoyed their biggest success since 1979 and tied a school record with 17 combined wins over two seasons. Temple finished 8-4 this fall but was denied a bowl bid. The Owls played UCLA in the EagleBank Bowl last season, losing by 30-21 in the school's first postseason appearance in 30 years.

"Temple is firmly committed to finding the best possible person to continue the success it has experienced over the past two seasons, and lead it to even greater heights," Temple athletic director Bill Bradshaw said in a statement. "Our goal is to find the right person to continue this success on the gridiron while also maintaining excellence in the classroom."