Temple Football Fires Defensive Line Coach Calhoun

Head coach K.C. Keeler announces significant staff changes for the Temple Owls during the team's bye week.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Football

Temple Football Fires Defensive Line Coach Calhoun

Temple head coach K.C. Keeler has fired defensive line coach Cedric Calhoun following a series of team staff adjustments. The program also announced new roles for four other coaching staff members.

Why it matters

These changes arrive during the team's bye week as the coaching staff looks to address performance concerns before the final stretch of the season. The shakeup reflects an urgent effort to stabilize the defensive leadership.

The coaching staff turnover involves five total positions, including the removal of defensive line coach Cedric Calhoun and the appointment of new responsibilities for four other personnel.

The players

K.C. Keeler

K.C. Keeler is the head coach of the Temple University football team.

Cedric Calhoun

Cedric Calhoun is a former defensive line coach for the Temple University football program.

Henry Baker

Henry Baker is a coach for Temple who holds the titles of assistant head coach, interim defensive coordinator, and defensive backs coach.

The details

Henry Baker assumes the role of assistant head coach, interim defensive coordinator, and defensive backs coach, while Chris Raitano moves to defensive line and outside linebackers. Brian L. Smith and Jordan Hopkins have also transitioned into new roles supporting the defense.

October 20, 2026: K.C. Keeler announced the staff changes.
October 31, 2026: The team plays at East Carolina at 3:00 pm.

Season Trajectory

These coaching shifts represent a significant pivot for the team as they look to correct their defensive trajectory during the 2026 Temple football season. The moves impact the program's strategic stability heading into the final games on their schedule.

The reassignment of Henry Baker to interim defensive coordinator will dictate the defensive scheme and rotation for the upcoming game against East Carolina. Fantasy players and fans should monitor how these structural changes affect the team's defensive production moving forward.

The takeaway

Mid-season coaching changes are a common mechanism for teams to attempt to salvage a season by resetting leadership hierarchies. Fans should watch for how the new defensive assignments translate to on-field performance during the next matchup.