Nick Rapone is the defensive backs coach at Temple University, a position he assumed in 1999. Previously, he served another stint on the Owls’ staff from 1983-’88. A 1978 graduate of Virginia Tech, where he played football as a defensive back for four seasons, Rapone has had an exemplary 25-year coaching career that also includes holding positions at Pittsburgh, East Tennessee State, and Connecticut. He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant defensive backfield coach at the University of Pittsburgh for two seasons (1979-’80). His coaching resume also includes two years as the head coach at New Castle (PA) High School. During his career, a number of his former players have gone on to play in the NFL. Rapone is widely respected as one of the most knowledgeable defensive coaches in the game.