How Temple Football Can Rebuild a Winning Program in 2024
As I look at the Temple Football program heading into 2024, I can't help but draw parallels to what makes successful basketball teams tick. Having analyzed the TNT team's scoring distribution where Oftana led with 20 points, followed by Hollis-Jefferson's 19 and Pogoy's 17, it strikes me that football programs need similar balanced offensive threats. Temple's rebuild requires what I like to call "scoring by committee" - developing multiple playmakers rather than relying on one star player. When I've studied successful turnarounds, the teams that sustain success typically have at least three players who can consistently contribute significant yardage and scoring, much like how TNT had five players scoring in double digits.
The numbers from that basketball game tell an interesting story about depth. Khobuntin adding 14 points and Galinato contributing 10 demonstrates how crucial secondary scoring can be. For Temple Football, this translates to needing not just a standout quarterback, but reliable receivers, a solid running back committee, and perhaps most importantly, offensive line depth. I've always believed the trenches are where games are won, and Temple's offensive line development will determine whether their skill players can execute. The program needs to build from the inside out, creating a foundation that can withstand injuries and adapt to different opponents.
What really stands out to me in that scoring distribution is how the points drop off after the top contributors. Nambatac's 9 points and the minimal contributions from the bottom of the roster highlight the danger of lacking depth. Temple cannot afford to have such dramatic drop-offs in production from their second and third units. The coaching staff needs to develop at least two quality players at every position, creating competition that pushes everyone to improve. I've seen too many programs fail because they had starters who could compete but backups who couldn't maintain the level.
Recruiting strategy needs complete overhaul, in my opinion. Temple should focus on identifying underrated talent in the region while strategically using the transfer portal to fill immediate needs. The basketball analogy holds here too - successful teams blend homegrown talent with strategic additions. I'd prioritize building relationships with high school programs within a 200-mile radius while keeping one portal spot open for every four high school recruits. This balanced approach creates program continuity while addressing immediate weaknesses.
The culture piece cannot be overlooked. Watching teams rebuild successfully, I've noticed the ones that turn things around fastest establish strong leadership councils among players. Temple needs to identify the players who will hold teammates accountable during offseason workouts and maintain standards when coaches aren't watching. This internal leadership is what separates hopeful turnarounds from actual ones. The coaching staff should create formal leadership development programs for upperclassmen, something I've seen work wonders at other programs.
Financial investment in facilities and support staff will be crucial. While I don't have exact numbers for Temple's athletic budget, successful turnarounds typically see increases of 15-20% in football-specific spending during rebuild years. The administration needs to demonstrate commitment through tangible investments - whether that's upgrading weight room equipment, expanding nutrition programs, or adding analytical staff. These investments signal to recruits and current players that the program is serious about competing at higher levels.
Scheduling strategy presents another opportunity for Temple. I'd advocate for what I call "progressive scheduling" - starting with winnable non-conference games to build confidence and momentum early in the season. The psychological impact of early wins cannot be overstated for a program rebuilding its identity. Those positive experiences create belief in the system and process, making players more receptive to coaching throughout the season. I'd aim for two guaranteed non-conference wins, one competitive game against a peer institution, and one "stretch" game against a power program for exposure and experience.
The offensive philosophy needs modernization while playing to Temple's geographical advantages. Given the talent-rich offensive skill positions in the region, I'd implement a spread system that maximizes touches for playmakers in space. The days of ground-and-pound football as a primary identity are fading, and Temple should embrace an offensive identity that appeals to local recruits. From what I've observed, successful G5 programs typically average around 75 offensive plays per game with a 55-45 pass-run split - numbers Temple should target.
Defensively, creating more turnovers must become an obsession. The difference between 6-6 and 8-4 seasons often comes down to a handful of takeaways. Temple should implement daily turnover circuits and track what I call "takeaway opportunities" in practice. Successful defensive turnarounds I've studied typically see a 40-50% increase in forced turnovers in the first year of emphasis. This requires drilling proper strip techniques, ball awareness, and pursuit angles until they become second nature.
Player development systems need complete restructuring. I'm particularly passionate about this aspect because I've seen how individualized development plans transform programs. Each player should have specific, measurable goals for their development with regular check-ins. The strength program needs to produce at least 15 players who can bench press 225 pounds 20+ times and 20 players who can run sub-4.7 forty-yard dashes. These physical benchmarks, while not everything, create the foundation for competitive advantage.
The fan engagement piece cannot be an afterthought. Temple needs to rebuild trust with its fanbase through transparency and accessibility. I'd recommend monthly "state of the program" updates from the head coach, increased player appearances in the community, and creative ticketing options to make the stadium accessible to different demographics. Winning will ultimately bring fans back, but the relationship building must start during the rebuild, not after success arrives.
Looking at the complete picture, Temple's path back to competitiveness requires alignment from administration, coaches, players, and supporters. The basketball scoring distribution that started this conversation illustrates the balanced approach needed - multiple contributors, depth throughout the roster, and everyone understanding their role. If Temple can establish this type of team-first mentality while upgrading talent across the board, the 2024 season could mark the beginning of a sustainable return to relevance. The foundation must be poured correctly, but with the right blueprint and commitment, Temple Football can absolutely rebuild a winning program.
