Temple football adds Florida's Heater as defensive coordinator

Temple football coach Steve Addazio, who took over the Owls in December after serving as the offensive coordinator at Florida last season, has reached back to bring in former Gators colleague Chuck Heater as the Owls' defensive coordinator.

The well-respected Heater, who in 35 years has also spent time at Colorado, Northern Arizona, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Toledo, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin, was the co-defensive coordinator at Florida last season.

"We're very fortunate to have Chuck Heater join our football family," Addazio said in a statement. "He is a great teacher with intensity and enthusiastic people skills."

Heater, 58, joined the Temple staff two days before the Wednesday national signing day. At least 19 players are expected to become new Owls, including a 5-foot-10, 205-pound running back out of Harriton named Spencer Reid, who is the son of Eagles coach Andy Reid.

Another intriguing addition to the team could be quarterback Clinton "Juice" Granger, a 6-3, 235-pound transfer from Pierce Junior College in Los Angeles.

Both have orally committed.

In addition, Eric Lofton, an offensive tackle from Rancocas Valley, has made an oral commitment to attend Temple. The 6-5, 275-pound Lofton was used more as a blocking tight end for the Red Devils, but says he'll be playing tackle for the Owls.

Lofton said he had a scholarship offer from Villanova and had been in contact with Rutgers, but was sold on Temple by Addazio.

"He had so much enthusiasm and made me want to become part of the program," Lofton said of the new coach.

Under Heater last fall, Florida had the fourth-best scoring defense in the Southeastern Conference, and was ranked second in total defense. The Gators were second against the pass and fifth against the run.

"I am excited to be a part of Temple football and to continue my relationship with Steve Addazio," Heater said. "I'm excited about the future of Temple football and what we can accomplish here."

With Heater's hiring, Addazio still needs to hire an offensive coordinator. Addazio said during his introductory news conference that he would not fill that role himself. Matt Rhule, who was the offensive coordinator under Al Golden, is believed to be in the running.

Golden, who was named coach at Miami shortly after Temple completed its 2010 season, took defensive coordinator Mark D'Onofrio with him.

Addazio's staff now consists of Heater, Ben Albert (defensive assistant), Sean McGowan (defensive assistant), Justin Frye (offensive line coach), and Frank Piraino (strength and conditioning).