Shocking Turnaround: Former Texas Running Backs Coach Stan Drayton Fired as…

With the hope that the next hire will bring the Owls back to prominence and success.

In a surprising twist in the world of college football coaching, former Texas running backs coach Stan Drayton has

been dismissed from his role as head coach of Temple University’s football program. The news sent shockwaves

through both the college football community and the Temple Owls’ fanbase, as Drayton’s tenure, which began in

2022, has been marked by mixed results and ongoing struggles.

Drayton, a well-respected coach with a reputation for developing top-tier running backs, joined Temple after

spending several successful seasons at the University of Texas. His move to Temple was seen as an opportunity for a

fresh start, with the hope that his expertise in building elite offenses could help turn around a struggling program.

However, after just two seasons at the helm, Temple’s administration made the decision to part ways with Drayton,

citing underperformance and lack of progress.

    The Rise of Stan Drayton.

Before his time at Temple, Stan Drayton was a respected figure in the college football world, especially known for his

work with running backs. His most notable role came as the running backs coach at Texas, where he was

instrumental in developing some of the program’s top talents. Under his guidance, running back Bijan Robinson

emerged as one of the best players in the country, earning numerous accolades and further solidifying Drayton’s

reputation as an elite position coach.

Drayton’s track record of success extended beyond Texas. He had previous coaching stints at schools like Ohio State,

Florida, and Tennessee, and had developed a strong reputation for his ability to coach up running backs to NFL-

caliber potential. His knowledge of the game and emphasis on player development made him a highly sought-after

coach when Temple came calling in 2022.

    The Expectations at Temple.

When Drayton took over the reins at Temple, there were high hopes that he could bring the program back to

prominence in the competitive American Athletic Conference (AAC). The Owls had a rich history of success, with

multiple bowl appearances and a strong presence in the conference in the 2010s. But in the years leading up to

Drayton’s hiring, Temple had struggled to maintain that success, posting subpar records and experiencing a lack of

consistency at head coach.

Drayton, known for his high-energy approach and strong leadership, was expected to reignite Temple’s competitive

fire. However, despite a solid recruiting class and his extensive coaching background, the Owls failed to meet

expectations during Drayton’s tenure. In 2022, Temple finished with a disappointing 3-9 record, and while there was

hope for improvement in 2023, the team only marginally improved, finishing the season at 4-8. These results were

not enough to secure Drayton’s job, and Temple decided to make a change at the top.

    The Dismissal: A Turning Point for Temple Football.

Drayton’s firing comes as a major crossroads for Temple football, as the program must now regroup and search for a

new head coach who can revive the team and lead it back to relevance in the AAC. The Owls have struggled to find

consistent success since their peak in the mid-2010s, and many believe that the next coaching hire will be critical in

determining the future direction of the program.

Temple’s athletic director, Arthur Johnson, expressed the university’s gratitude to Drayton for his efforts,

acknowledging the challenges the team faced under his leadership. However, the decision to part ways with Drayton

was made with a focus on moving forward and returning the Owls to a competitive state. “We appreciate Coach

Drayton’s work and dedication, but after careful evaluation, we believe it is time to make a change,” Johnson said in

a statement.

    What’s Next for Drayton?

As for Stan Drayton, his firing from Temple is a setback, but it is unlikely to end his career in college football. Known

for his work with elite running backs and his experience at top-tier programs, Drayton remains an experienced and

capable coach who could find opportunities elsewhere, whether as an offensive coordinator, running backs coach, or

even in another head coaching role.

For Temple, the search for a new leader will be critical in setting the future trajectory of the program. The decision to

let Drayton go marks the beginning of a new chapter, with hopes that the next hire will be the one to restore the Owls

to their former glory.