News

Temple Football Names K.C. Keeler as New Head Football Coach

By
Mike Lipinski
Author photo
Mike Lipinski Sports Editor

Mike Lipinski has been covering Philadelphia sports since 2005. Previous stops include Section 247 Sports, My MMA News, and more. He has been a part of the Sports Talk Philly team since 2019. He is the editor of Philadelphia Phillies content, co-editor for college football covering mainly the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, and dabbling in all other sports. Follow him on social media channels -Twitter & Threads- @MLipinskiSports

All posts by Mike Lipinski
Sports Editor

Published02 Dec 2024

Disclosure
We sometimes use affiliate links in our content, when clicking on those we might receive a commission – at no extra cost to you. By using this website you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy.
USATSI_24182889 (1)

 

Less than a month after firing head football coach Stan Drayton, Temple University has found a new leader for the Owls. The University has named Sam Houston’s K.C. Keeler as their new head football coach. Keeler, 65, is a native of Emmaus, PA and led Sam Houston to the 2020 FCS National Championship and guided the Bearkats through their first two seasons as an FBS member. He becomes the 33rd coach to lead the Owls –sorry Manny Diaz, you don’t count!

If the name sounds familiar, it should. Keeler is well acclimated to the Delaware Valley having served as the head football coach for Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ from 1993-2001 and then the University of Delaware from 2002-2012. He led the Profs to five Division III finals and two Division III semifinals in his nine seasons in Glassboro. Keeler had similar success in the jump from D-III to D 1-AA leading the Delaware Blue Hens to three FCS National Championship appearances including a national title in 2003.

After 11 seasons in Newark, Keeler assumed head coaching duties at Sam Houston in Houston, TX in 2014. Once again, Keeler led the Bearkats to prominence including six FCS Playoff appearances which culminated with a national title in 2020. Keeler oversaw Sam Houston’s ascension from the FCS level to Conference USA including a 9-3 record this past season. He brings an impressive resume to Temple including a 271-112-1 record with 11 conference championships, two national titles, and a litany of coaching awards.