PHILADELPHIA, Pa. -- Turning a 2-10 team into a 10-2 team is nearly unheard of in the college football universe. But Temple Owls head coach Matt Rhule did just that, as his high-flying players defeated the UConn Huskies 27-3 Saturday night to claim the AAC East title and go 10-2 for the second time in school history.
When a transformation like that takes place, there's almost no doubt that the coach is headed for big things. In Rhule's case, not much had yet been heard in terms of an opportunity to coach a bigger Division I school, at least not until gametime Saturday night.
FootballScoop reported that Missouri Tigers AD Mack Rhoades is planning to meet with Rhule on Sunday, after meeting with Toledo HC Matt Campbell Saturday.
After celebrating the division title on-field, Rhule was brought right to business minutes later, when catechized about the reports at his postgame press conference. On the subject of interviewing with Rhoades, he did not give a very definitive answer, choosing to take the 'it's about the team' route.
"You know me," said Rhule. "I'm not going to talk about anything. This program is about these kids. Anyone who throws my name in things, it's really a cedit to the players and administration. So I won't talk about jobs."
Rhule took over at Temple in 2013, and now holds an 18-18 record through three seasons. The chance of him being scooped up from Temple this soon is unlikely, and the highest chance at his departure becoming a bigger deal would be if LSU considered him a candidate to replace Les Miles, who will officially not be leaving the program this season after grabbing a win over Texas A&M Saturday.
There's always a chance for a switch to happen, but right now for Rhule and the Owls, the main focus has to be on Houston and the AAC title next week.