Temple coach Geoff Collins using the spring to refine his craft

New Temple coach Geoff Collins makes sure that after most spring practices, he throws passes to his receivers, a symbolic gesture from a lifelong defensive coach, showing the offense he doesn't have a one-track mind.

While anybody who has seen Collins throw understands why he was a linebacker at Western Carolina, the fact that he is attempting to bond with the receivers, despite the less-than-pinpoint accuracy of his throws, is sending a message to his team.

Even though Collins has earned his stripes on defense, he is telling his team that he plans to coach both sides of the ball. And special teams can be added as well.

While the players are adapting to the new systems on offense and defense that the new Temple staff is implementing, this is also a great training ground for Collins.

It is here at spring practice that he is learning to become a head coach, the first time at any level he has been bestowed with this responsibility.

He has noticed the difference, and the enormous responsibility the job entails, especially after practice ends.

"The biggest change is the number of people who come through my office on a daily basis," Collins said.

In his days as a defensive coach/coordinator, Collins would have players come into his office to watch film or hang out.

Now there is a steady procession each day - the athletic trainer, the media relations director, the equipment managers, assistant coaches, and the list goes on.

"I listen to their needs and get to come up with solutions and ask them for solutions as well," said Collins, who will turn 46 Monday. "That has been the biggest adjustment, dealing with so many more people as a head coach."

He insists the added responsibility isn't overwhelming, just part of the job.

"I am loving it" he said.

One thing Collins has quickly learned is to coach his coaches - give them responsibility but also maintain an interest in all areas of the team.

Thus the frequent wobbly passes he throws to the wide receivers. And on the rare occasion Collins makes an accurate pass, his quarterbacks never hear the end of it.

"Coach Collins is a defensive-minded guy, but he loves the offense, loves being in there busting our chops, making us play better," said quarterback Frank Nutile. "It is awesome how involved he is with us, considering he is a defensive guy."

He's also involved heavily with the defense, but another way Collins connects with the offense is he is the fullbacks coach.

"He is obviously a defensive guy, but he knows so much about the offense," fullback Nick Sharga said. "He is involved in everything, is in the special-teams meetings also."

As important as it is to be proficient with the X's and O's, being a head coach is about getting the entire team behind you. That's why Collins has made it a point to spend so much time with his offense.

He said that being a head coach has been a natural evolution, but this spring Collins is working out the first-year kinks.

"All I ever wanted to do was be a head coach, and this is something that I don't feel out of place," he said.

Here is one major difference in his new role.

Recently one of his receivers made a touchdown catch as the offense was going against the defense.

Collins was thrilled that the receiver was able to make a great catch and take it to the house. But his joy was tempered by the fact the defense sprang a leak.

"In something like that I am fired up for the receiver, but I know there is something that went wrong with the defense," he said. "Every play I win, but every play I kind of lose."

It's among many lessons he has learned during spring practice, which is proving to be as beneficial to the coach as it is the players he will lead.

mnarducci@phillynews.com

@sjnard