Ex-Temple QB DiMichele to coach Owls receivers

Adam DiMichele does not remember being too demanding of his receivers when he was a quarterback at Temple. As of Thursday, though, that is part of his job description.

Temple named DiMichele wide receivers coach, replacing Terry Smith, who joined the staff at Penn State. DiMichele is the first former Temple football player to coach at the school in more than 30 years.

DiMichele, 28, played for the Owls from 2006 to 2008. He was a two-time MVP and is fourth in school history with more than 5,000 passing yards. He has since played professionally, including stints with the Soul in the Arena Football League and two CFL teams. He went to training camp with the Eagles in 2009.

His quarterback's perspective, he said, will help him as a coach.

"I can share with them a few things, like what window the quarterback is going to throw the ball through, the timing of the quarterback, and where he needs you to be in certain coverages," DiMichele said.

Half of the 12 incoming offensive recruits are wide receivers. Head coach Matt Rhule said that the American Athletic Conference is a passing league with a skill level the Owls must match.

As a graduate assistant last season, DiMichele worked mostly with quarterbacks P.J. Walker and Connor Reilly. He also helped recruit players from his native Western Pennsylvania.

"If you're . . . one of those receivers coming in, I'd be about as excited as one human can be about the talent we have at quarterback to get you the ball," said DiMichele, who is equally enthusiastic about working for Rhule, his former position coach.