Nevada's Nick Rolovich joins Matt Rhule's Temple staff

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

Sources confirmed Sunday that Nick Rolovich agreed Saturday to become the Owls' next offensive coordinator and 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 fan favorite who potentially could have replaced 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 37.8 points and 514.8 yards of offense in Rolovich's lone season with the Mountain West Conference program. He will 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 with nine interceptions last season in Nevada's trademark "pistol" offense. He was also second on the team with 1,121 rushing yards and 12 TDs.

"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's 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."