K.C. Keeler, who spearheaded Sam Houston State's transition from FCS to FBS, has been hired as Temple's new head coach.
"Coach Keeler has a track record of evaluating, recruiting, and developing student-athletes into championship-level young men," Temple athletic director Arthur Johnson said in a statement Sunday. "His leadership, experience, and the culture he establishes within programs are exactly what Temple football needs as we look to return to prominence in the competitive college football landscape."
The Bearkats were 9-3 this year in their second season of FBS play, including a 6-2 mark in Conference USA. Keeler has extensive ties in the Northeast and spent 11 seasons as Delaware's coach before taking the Sam Houston State job.
"I am beyond thrilled to be named Temple University's next head football coach," Keeler said in a statement. "I would like to thank Arthur Johnson and President John Fry for this incredible opportunity. Their shared vision and enthusiasm for returning this program to greatness has been contagious. I'm eager to get to work to bring that vision to fruition for the Cherry and the White."
Stan Drayton was fired in November after three seasons with the Owls. He compiled a 9-25 record.
Keeler led Sam Houston State to the FCS national championship in the 2020 season and was 97-39 during his career there.