The Righteous Ascension of Charlie Strong

(Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images)

The relationship between a college football coach and his new employer is akin to trying to cook out with your five-year-old son for the very first time. 

On one hand, this new partnership could produce a fire that creates a delicious BBQ dinner that is appreciated, enjoyed, and approved by all.   On the other hand, one mistake with the lighter fluid and your guests leave hungry, Dad gets carted off to the emergency room, and Junior finds himself bound for a lifetime of therapy.

Most times, though, a raised voice keeps the house from burning down, Dad wipes the dirt off the chicken, and Junior gets to bring in a plate of yum despite the small tear running down his cheek.

Bottom line - You never know what’s going to happen until the match is lit.

Such is the spectacle known as “The College Head Coaching Shuffle."

The most volatile Human Resources event known to man.

But as much fun as we poke at this spectacle, to the participants it’s a very tense, stressful and sometimes humiliating process.  It has become an increasingly volatile mix of good-ol-boy networking, politics, negotiating, timing, and luck.

It’s also a process where qualifications are often overshadowed by emotional interests.

Such is the case of Charlie Strong – Florida’s Defensive Coordinator and Associate Head Coach/Linebackers – and “should be” leading candidate for most any NCAA Division I head coaching position.

We all know the story from last winter.  An apparently very frustrated Charlie Strong publicly suggests that his interracial marriage was a negative factor in his candidacy for several head coaching positions.  The credibility of his claim increased when other coaches with less than impressive credentials found homes at schools with very strong football traditions.   In the end, Charlie stays at Florida but the talk of race and head coaching opportunities makes big headlines.

For the most part, we haven’t heard a word from Charlie on this matter since.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?