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Source: Temple close to naming new head football coach after finishing interview process

Temple has wanted to pick the successor to Geoff Collins quickly since the early signing period begins Dec. 19. On Friday, Collins became the head coach at Georgia Tech after two seasons at Temple.

Fans cheer on the owls as they defeat Kent State. Final score Temple 47 Kent State 13 in college football action at Lincoln Financial field.
Fans cheer on the owls as they defeat Kent State. Final score Temple 47 Kent State 13 in college football action at Lincoln Financial field.Read more( Ed Hille / Staff Photographer )

Update: Temple is reportedly close to a deal to make Miami’s Manny Diaz the next coach

It appears as if Temple is ready to pick its head football coach very soon. A source said that barring anything unexpected, that the interviews are over.

Temple has wanted to pick the successor to Geoff Collins quickly since the early signing period begins Dec. 19. On Friday, Collins became the head coach at Georgia Tech after two seasons at Temple.

Two names that have fueled speculation are Texas A&M defensive coordinator Mike Elko and Miami defensive coordinator Manny Diaz.

A source said that Elko interviewed on Tuesday and confirmed a Miami Herald report that Diaz had interviewed on Monday.

Elko, 41, has local ties, having graduated from Penn. He also attended high school at South Brunswick, N.J. One source suggested he was a viable candidate, but reports trickled out on Wednesday saying he would stay at Texas A&M.

Another person who interviewed, according to a different source was Don Brown, the Michigan defensive coordinator.

Early in the process interim head coach Ed Foley said he would be interviewing for the job and a different source confirmed that he has indeed interviewed for the job.

Foley became a sensation while representing Temple in Shreveport, La., during a Monday news conference for the Independence Bowl. Temple (8-4) will meet Duke (7-5) in that bowl on Dec. 27. Foley’s excitement for Temple and playing in the bowl that he displayed during the news conference drew national attention with several outlets.

Also known to interview has been former Temple assistant and Baylor assistant head coach/corners Francis Brown, who interviewed on Monday.

Other have interviewed as well, from eight to 10, according to a source.