Strong Issues in College Football: Why Charlie Strong Isn't a Head Coach

Written by Adam Silverstein, Gatorsfirst.com Contributor

Racism, bigotry, oppression, hate, and lack of acceptance are great for the football program at the University of Florida.

Calm down and hold your horses before you pass judgment—let me explain.  The Florida Gators do not advocate or support these absurd ideologies—you can now take a breath—but its opponents certainly do.

Otherwise, how can you explain the fact that a man like Charlie Strong has yet to be offered a head coaching job in NCAA Division I-A football?  (Sorry, I do not recognize this new B.S. “FBS” designation.)

How can you explain that a man who has been defensive coordinator at one of the best and most talented football programs in the country for seven straight years, finding success under two different head coaches, has not advanced from said position?

Because he buttons the top button of his polo shirts?  Please.

How can you explain that one of the best defensive minds in college football—a man who held the “best offense in NCAA history” in the 2008 Oklahoma Sooners to 14 points, did the same in 2006 to the Ohio State Buckeyes, and whose defense only gave up more than 21 points in one game in all of 2008—has not been recognized as such?

Because he graduated from the University of Central Arkansas?  No way.

How can you explain that one of the best college recruiters (Rivals top 25) to come around the state of Florida (arguably the most talent-rich state in the union) cannot land a head coaching job at a university looking to dive into the aforementioned talent pool of the state?

Because he lost his only game as head coach, the 2004 Peach Bowl (five years ago), by 17 points?  C'mon...

How can you explain that a man with 25 years of collegiate coaching experience at major universities (Florida, South Carolina, Notre Dame, Ole Miss, Southern Illinois, Texas A&M); who has coached in 19 bowl games (including 12 in January); who has coached under Lou Holtz, Steve Spurrier, and Urban Meyer; whose defenses at UF have (a) scored points off turnovers in 41 of 64 games, (b) intercepted 85 passes in five years, (c) ranked first in the SEC and second in the nation in rushing defense the past three seasons; and who will soon be the longest tenured defensive coordinator in school history, still has not been given a chance to do for another school what he has done so well at Florida?

Because he is an African-American man.

Because he has a Caucasian wife.

And because he refuses to apologize for either.

While Strong and the Gators have no problem with how he lives his life, the rest of the “Good Ol’ Boy Network” sure seems to.  That is why the three previous responses can be the only answers to the aforementioned questions.  That is why a man with a resume as stacked as Strong’s, with a passion for recruiting and coaching young men to be the best they can be, is looked over every offseason.

"If you think about it, a coach is standing up there representing the university,” Strong said as the Gators prepared for the FedEx BCS National Championship Game (his second in three years). “If you're not strong enough to look through that [interracial marriage], then you have an issue."

It does seem that the NCAA has issues, doesn’t it?  There are seven black coaches at the nation's 119 major football schools after four were hired this December.

These schools must not be concerned with recruiting the best players, having a defense that stifles opposing offenses, building boys into young men with drive and character, and, you know, winning football games.

They sure do have issues, Coach.  But do you know who doesn’t have issues with you?  Gators fans, Gators boosters, and the student-athletes that accept your pitch, come to Florida to learn from one of the best defensive minds in the game, excel at their position, and often get drafted quite high in the NFL.

Do you know who doesn’t have issues with you, Coach?  Gator Nation.  You will always be welcome here.

I'm just glad no one is rushing to take you away from us.

Any thoughts?

You can view the original article here.