Maryland associate named new head coach at Temple

One of the top assistant coaches in college soccer is heading to Philadelphia to take over as head coach of the Temple men’s soccer team in 2018.

Brian Rowland, who has served on Sasho Cirovski’s staff at the University of Maryland for the past eight seasons, was announced as the new Owls head coach by Temple Director of Athletics Dr. Patrick Kraft on Friday afternoon.

"Brian Rowland is the perfect person to lead the Temple men's soccer program," Kraft said in a news release. "After an exhaustive national search that included many highly qualified candidates, it was Brian's experience with a high-caliber program along with his energy and passion that put him over the top. We welcome Brian and his family to the Owl Family and can't wait until he gets started."

A Toronto native, Rowland was a goalkeeper at UMBC and went on to play professionally in both indoor and lower division leagues. He was hired at Maryland in 2010, where he worked directly with former Philadelphia Union goalkeeper Zac MacMath and also worked with Downingtown, Pa. native and Columbus Crew SC goalkeeper Zack Steffen during his two-year tenure with the Terps.

Rowland was promoted to associate head coach three seasons ago and has been lauded for his working on the recruiting trail, having brought in highly-rated recruiting classes to College Park on an annual basis, including a 2015 class that included Philadelphia Union Academy grad Sebastian Elney.

“Temple's rich soccer history sets the stage for me to coach a team that will instill pride within the alumni, University, and Philadelphia soccer community,” Rowland said in the news release. “It is my vision for our men's soccer players to excel on the field, thrive in the classroom and contribute to the community. I am excited to align the program with the outstanding culture that exists within the Athletic Department and University overall."

Rowland’s former boss had glowing things to say in a statement.

"I have seen Brian emerge as one of the finest young coaches in collegiate soccer,” Cirovski said. “He has been involved in all aspects of our operation at Maryland. He is an outstanding person, a terrific leader and a relentless recruiter and I know he will do great things at Temple.”

Rowland takes over the program from David MacWilliams, whose contract was not renewed after 18 seasons with the Owls. He’s the seventh coach in program history, which dates back to 1926.