WACO —Evan Cooper, Baylor’s director of player personnel, got his first big break with Thursday’s announcement of his promotion to the university’s 10th assistant coach.
“[Cooper] has been instrumental in coordinating our recruiting efforts since coming with us to Baylor last year,” said Matt Rhule, who just closed his first season as the Bears’ head coach, per an official press release. “We have signed 47 players in two years and he has played a large part in that. The opportunity for him to increase his presence on our staff is tremendous.”
Evan Cooper, Baylor’s 10th assistant coach. Photo courtesy Baylor Athletics
Per NCAA regulations, the addition of one assistant coach is allowed. Reports state Baylor will use that position as a key off the field recruiting resource for Rhule at both Baylor and Temple. Rhule made Cooper his first hire after accepting the position Dec. 6, 2016 and leading Temple’s Owls to a 20-7 record through two seasons — the best two-season mark in school history.
Rhule’s 28 wins tied him with the recently retired Bruce Arians for sixth most in school history.
Cooper, who previously served at Temple as director of external operations and as a defensive graduate assistant, followed Baylor’s new head coach to take over the recruiting team. Per Rhule, he effected the majority of the success Baylor has had in that area during the 2017 season.
Cooper, a Temple four-year letterman, began his career as a defensive backs coach at Westminster Academy in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. He also worked briefly with Al Golden, a former NFL player, 4-year Miami Hurricanes head coach, and the current Detroit Lions Tight Ends Coach.
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Marcus Matthews-Marion is the managing editor of TexasHSFootball, covering prep football throughout the Lone Star State. Follow him on Twitter, @TheMJMatthews, and read more of his content here.
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