TAMPA, Fla. – Just when you think things could not get any worse, Temple – Temple! – embarrassed USF on Saturday in Philly to the tune of 54-28.
It was another disgraceful exhibition of optional tackling in what was yet another defeat, this time to a team that was averaging 15.5 points per game.
Athletic director Michael Kelly decided he had seen enough and pulled the plug on the Jeff Scott era Sunday. Defensive coordinator Bob Shoop was also let go.
The losses were frequent under Scott’s command as the Bulls went 4-26 in his nearly three seasons. That record included a remarkable 1-26 showing against FBS teams, with many of the defeats by a margin as unsightly as the record. It was a mark that included going 1-19 in American Athletic Conference play.
Special teams coach Daniel Da Prato takes over on an interim basis. Ernie Sims, co-defensive coordinator, and linebackers coach, will oversee a defense that has allowed 503 yards per game to rank 130th and next-to-last in the nation.
“While he did so many things right, including rebuilding our culture, pushing forward our Indoor Performance Facility, and engaging our community, the on-the-field results fell well below our standards,” Kelly said in statement issued by the sports information department early Sunday evening.
The Bulls’ only win over an FBS opponent under Scott, who was hired in December 2019 after Charlie Strong was dismissed following his three seasons, was against Temple at Raymond James Stadium last season. Scott’s other three wins were against FCS teams: The Citadel (2020), Florida A&M (2021) and Howard (2022).
As for a new head coach, who will be USF’s sixth since its inaugural year of 1997 and fourth in seven seasons, Kelly said, “In the days ahead, I will share information about our search for a new head coach. Our focus right now is on the talented young men in our football program.”
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