The Temple University football program was removed from the Big East Conference following the conclusion of the 2004 season primarily due to a perceived lack of institutional commitment, prolonged on-field uncompetitiveness, and inadequate fan attendance. At a time when the conference was attempting to fortify its national football standing against major realignment pressures, Temple's prolonged struggles on the gridiron led member institutions to vote to expel the football program, though the university later returned briefly before moving to the American Athletic Conference.