It is the dawn of a new era for Temple University men’s basketball, as Aaron McKie officially takes over the program where he starred as a player under Hall of Fame head coach John Chaney and recently served as an assistant coach for five seasons under Fran Dunphy.
“John Chaney’s ‘Be The Dream’ mantra really hit home for me today, as becoming the head coach of Temple Basketball is truly a dream come true,” said McKie. “There are so many people that have helped make this dream a reality, like Coach Chaney, and it would be impossible to name them all.
“I am so honored to take the baton from Coach Dunphy, who had it passed to him from Coach Chaney, and continue the proud tradition of the NCAA’s fifth-winningest program. I am also grateful to President Englert and Dr. Kraft for believing in me and in my direction for the future.”
McKie, who has spent his entire life immersed in the Philadelphia basketball scene, becomes the 18th head coach in Temple men’s basketball history, but just the fifth since Hall of Fame coach Harry Litwack took over the reins of the program in 1952. He will also be the first alum to serve as the Owls’ head coach since Litwack, who won 373 games and made two Final Four appearances in his 21-year tenure.
“We are delighted to have Aaron McKie as our next men’s basketball coach. Aaron knows Temple’s history and its rich basketball tradition that goes back for generations, including such coaching legends as Harry Litwack, John Chaney and Fran Dunphy,” said Temple President Richard M. Englert. “Coach McKie has demonstrated over his career a strong commitment to developing our students for the classroom, for the basketball arena and for life, and his successes as a star Temple student-athlete will serve him well. We wish him and his entire team all the best in the upcoming seasons.”
“This is a great day for Temple Basketball,” said Director of Athletics Dr. Patrick Kraft. “Aaron is the perfect coach to lead our program with his background as a former outstanding player and assistant coach as well as with his Philadelphia basketball roots. He also understands what it means to be Temple TUFF, and the commitment it takes to be a winner. Aaron is a man of great character, who is active in the community through his AM8 foundation. We are so fortunate to have him take over the reins of the program.”
McKie’s deep Philadelphia basketball roots started in high school where he played at nearby Simon Gratz (’90). There, under the tutelage of legendary coach Bill Ellerbee, he helped lead the Bulldogs to the 1990 Philadelphia Public League Championship, their first title since 1939.
McKie then took his talents to North Broad Street to play under another legend in Chaney. Arguably one of the best players in Temple history, he had an incredible three-year playing career for the Owls (1991-92 through 1993-94) and is tied for sixth on the school’s all-time scoring list with 1,650 points. A starter for all 92 games, he averaged 17.9 points per game while leading the Owls to three NCAA Tournaments and a trip to the 1993 Elite Eight. He earned many accolades during his heralded collegiate career, including Atlantic 10 Conference and Philadelphia Big 5 Player of the Year for his performance in the 1992-93 season, when he averaged a team-best 20.6 points per game.
Selected in the first round (17th overall) of the 1994 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers, McKie played 13 seasons, including eight with the Philadelphia 76ers where he was coached by another basketball giant in Larry Brown. As a member of the Sixers in 2000-01, McKie enjoyed his best season, taking home Sixth Man of the Year honors while helping his hometown team reach the NBA Finals.
McKie has more than a decade of coaching experience. Besides serving as an assistant coach under Dunphy for the past five seasons, he was also a five-year assistant (2007-13) on the 76ers staff and helped lead the franchise to four NBA playoff appearances.
McKie resides in the Philadelphia area with his wife, Lisa, and their four children, Erin, Jaron, and twin sons Justin and Julian.
Aaron McKie Resume
As a Coach
2008-13: Philadelphia 76ers (assistant coach)
2014-18: Temple (assistant coach)
2018-19: Temple (associate head coach)
As a Player
1991-94: Temple
1994-97: Portland Trailblazers
1997: Detroit Pistons
1997-05: Philadelphia 76ers
2005-07: Los Angeles Lakers
Career Highlights
2001: NBA Sixth Man of The Year
1994: First Team All-Atlantic 10 Conference
1994: First Team All-Big 5
1993: AP Honorable Mention All-America
1993: Atlantic 10 Player of the Year
1993: Philadelphia Big 5 Player of Year
1992: NCAA All-West Region
1992: First Team All-Atlantic 10 Conference
1992: First Team All-Big 5
Aaron McKie Officially Takes Over as Temple Men’s Basketball Coach
