Temple hires Taver Johnson as defensive coordinator

New Temple coach Geoff Collins has selected Taver Johnson to serve as his defensive coordinator, the team announced Wednesday.

Johnson comes to the Owls from Purdue, where he was the defensive backs coach for the past three seasons.

"Taver Johnson is an outstanding coach, a relentless recruiter, and a positive role model for his players," Collins said in a statement. "He has experience coaching several positions throughout his career and has excelled at every university he's been a part of. What I like most about him is his passion for the game and his love for the players he coaches. He really stood out in this process as a man who fit into the beliefs, philosophies, and overall mentality that is Temple Football."

Temple ranked 11th in points allowed per game this season, but was forced to bring in a new coaching staff after head coach Matt Rhule took the Baylor job.

The Owls are coming off a 10-4 season and an AAC championship.