FootballScoop is proud to announce that Mike Siravo is the 2016 FootballScoop Linebackers Coach of the Year presented by ProGrass as selected by prior winners.
Temple wasn't selected to win its division this season. In response to that, the Owls went out and won the entire American Athletic Conference.
They did so by fielding an elite defense led by an outstanding linebackers corps.
The Owls fielded the No. 3 passing defense in the country, limiting opponents to just 53.2 percent completions for 6.2 yards per attempt and 152.1 yards per game with only 13 touchdowns against 12 interceptions.
Temple was also a top-25 unit against the run, holding foes to 130.4 yards per game on 3.58 yards per carry.
Put it all together and you've got a defense that ranked third in total defense (282.5 yards per game), sixth in yards per play (4.64) and 11th in scoring (18.4 points per game). Additionally, Temple was also a top-20 defense in sacks (40), tackles for loss (103), first downs allowed (15.4 per game), plays of 10-plus yards allowed (146), third down conversions allowed (34.5 percent) and red zone conversions allowed (76.5 percent).
That type of success simply would not be possible without a well-rounded, well-taught group of linebackers. Avery Williams led the team with 66 tackles, with Stephaun Marshall close behind at 64. Jarred Alwan added 51 stops, followed by Jared Folks at 32.
Williams was named a Second Team All-AAC performer.
Siravo, who also serves as defensive passing game coordinator and recruiting coordinator, began coaching as the linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator at Columbia in 2003. He has since deposited two stints at Temple and his alma mater Boston College, returning to Philadelphia upon Matt Rhule's hiring in 2013.
"I think what stands out about Mike is his knowledge of the position. He coached defensive backs at Boston College before coaching linebackers here, so when you combine his knowledge of pass coverage and run fits, I think he's the best linebackers coach in the country," Temple defensive coordinator Phil Snow said. "He loves his players, and his players respect him and love playing for him."
The FootballScoop Coaches of the Year awards presented by ProGrass are the only set of awards that recognize the most outstanding position coaches in college football. The finalists (Matt Canada [Pittsburgh], Darrin Chiaverini/Brian Lindgren [Colorado], Kirk Ciarrocca [Western Michigan], Ivin Jasper [Navy], Joe Moorhead [Penn State], Lincoln Riley [Oklahoma], Jonathan Smith [Washington] and Kiffin) were selected based off of nominations by coaches, athletic directors, and athletic department personnel. The prior winners selected this year's winner.
Siravo will receive his award and be recognized at an event at the AFCA Convention in January.
Previous winners of the Linebackers Coach of the Year award are Bill McGovern (Boston College, 2008), Bob Fraser (Rutgers, 2009), Luke Fickell (Ohio State, 2010), Dave Huxtable (Wisconsin, 2011), Bob Gregory (Boise State, 2012), Jim Reid and LeVar Woods (Iowa, 2013), Jeff Casteel (Arizona, 2014) and Dave Aranda and Tim Tibesear (Wisconsin, 2015).
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