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Temple promotes Andrew Thacker to defensive coordinator

Last year's defensive coordinator, Taver Johnson, is now the assistant head coach defense/co-defensive coordinator/safeties.

Andrew Thacker on the sideline during a Temple game this past season.
Andrew Thacker on the sideline during a Temple game this past season.Read moreTemple University

Andrew Thacker, Temple's linebackers coach last season, has been given the additional title of defensive coordinator in one of several shuffled roles announced Monday by coach Geoff Collins.

Thacker's is now the defensive coordinator/linebackers. Last season's defensive coordinator, Taver Johnson, is now the assistant head coach defense/co-defensive coordinator/safeties.

Johnson was the defensive play-caller last season. Collins was unavailable for comment on whether the play-calling role will change.

Last season, Thacker was selected for the American Football Coaches Foundation's annual 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute. The program is "aimed at identifying and developing premier, future leaders in the football coaching profession."

Temple also announced that Reggie Garrett was promoted to defensive analyst after spending two seasons as a graduate assistant, working with the defense. Tom Pajic moves from director of player personnel to senior offensive adviser.

Larry Knight, who was in charge of quality control for defense and recruiting, is now the director of player personnel.

Last week, Adam DiMichele was named recruiting coordinator/offensive assistant, allowing him to become the 10th full-time assistant coach.

The Owls went 7-6 in Collins' first season, beating Florida International, 28-3, in the Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl.

Here are the coaches who have different roles and/or were promoted:

Ed Foley: assistant head coach offense/special teams coordinator/tight ends

Taver Johnson: assistant head coach defense/co-defensive coordinator/safeties

Dave Patenaude: Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks

Andrew Thacker: Defensive coordinator/linebackers

Jim Panagos: Defensive line/run game coordinator

Chris Wiesehan: Offensive line/run game coordinator

Tom Pajic: Senior offensive adviser

Larry Knight: Director of player personnel

Josh Linam: Quality control – defense