Less than a month after standing at the podium to introduce Temple Football’s new head coach, Athletic Director Patrick Kraft was back again.

This time, introducing Rod Carey to lead the next chapter of Temple Football. Kraft said every coaching search has its own personality, and requires self evaluation; however, the same qualities remained throughout this search.

“We wanted someone who truly understood North Philadelphia, truly understood who we were; someone who wanted to be here,” said Kraft.

“We were looking for a proven winner; someone who has a track record of winning and winning the right way,” he continued.

Carey will step in after having spent the last six years as the head coach at Northern Illinois University, where he compiled a 52-30 record, including a 38-10 record in conference play. He led them to six bowl games, two MAC championships and four MAC West Division titles.

Throughout the hiring process, Carey made it clear to Kraft that Temple was the place he wanted to be, suggesting he put any buyout he wanted.

“It’s not important to me,” Carey said. “What’s important to me is I want to be here, and the track record I have prove it.”

“I’ve said no on other times at NIU ... this is the right time and the right place and I am super excited about that.”

Carey iterated that the same sentiment was shared with Kraft.

“They always made me feel like I was the guy that they wanted,” he said.

While yet to have an opportunity to meet with the team, Carey’s message to them for the upcoming season was they are going to have fun, be tough and physical, and learn to trust each other.

Recruiting and putting together the right coaching staff will both be addressed right away, Carey said.