Ed Foley may have the interim head coach title, but unlike a lot of guys that take on that title following the departure of their head coach, this isn't unfamiliar territory for Foley.
Foley previously took the reigns for the Owls Military bowl game following the departure of Matt Rhule to Baylor. I remember then that he had a whole lot of folks in his corner to get a shot at the head coaching job just based on the energy and passion he demonstrated for the kids and the program as a whole in his media appearances for the bowl game leading up to kickoff.
That same passion and energy has been on full display as Foley, who coached tight ends and coordinated the special teams for the program this past fall, makes his rounds again as the interim head coach for the Independence Bowl, this time stepping in for Geoff Collins, who took the head coaching job at Georgia Tech.
Yesterday we shared what we're hearing about Temple's search.
Asked recently during the bowl festivities about if he feels pressure about landing the full-time role, and if he feels like the opportunity is overdue, Foley responded, "I don't, because I love our players and I love our school."
"Everything that I do as the head football coach - if it lasts one day, three days, ten days., or ten years - I'm going to enjoy every second of it. I love our players, and I love what I do and I'm going to do it to the best of my ability every day."
You can see it and feel it. His energy is contagious. His passion for Temple is obvious. That was on further display when Foley took the podium today, and it had social media buzzing with responses.
It's impossible to watch those clips and not get fired up to play for a guy like Foley. So whether he lands the permanent gig, or not, the love he has for Owl players and the program is out on the table for everyone to witness, and it's a beautiful thing.