Charlie Strong Reportedly Will Become New USF Head Coach
Although his tenure as head coach with the Texas Longhorns ended in underwhelming fashion, Charlie Strong has already made a decision on the next stop in his coaching career.
Continue for updates.
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USF Reportedly Hires Strong
Sunday, Dec. 11
ESPN.com's Chris Low reported (h/t ESPN.com's Brett McMurphy) that Strong and South Florida have agreed to a deal.
Sports Illustrated's Pete Thamel, citing a source, previously reported that Strong was expected to become South Florida's new head coach, as the two sides were "closing in on a five-year contract."
Joey Knight of the Tampa Bay Times, citing a source close to the negotiations between Strong and USF, reported on Saturday that there is a "60 percent" chance the team names Strong its next head coach.
Strong is the front-runner to be the next head coach at South Florida, Bruce Feldman of Fox Sports reported Friday.
Knight reported on Dec. 8 that South Florida was zeroing in on Strong after the Oregon Ducks officially hired Willie Taggart.
On one hand, a "Group of Five" school would be a step down for Strong after he led the Longhorns for three years.
On the other hand, the 56-year-old might be better off at a school where he'll be under less pressure. The last thing Strong needs is another job where he has to worry about boosters possibly undermining his authority.
Both Sports Illustrated's Andy Staples and Bleacher Report's Matt Miller thought South Florida would be a great fit:
Strong already has ties to the state of Florida, having worked as the Florida Gators' defensive coordinator from 2003 to 2009. While serving as the head coach of the Louisville Cardinals, he built a strong recruiting pipeline in Florida, with safety Calvin Pryor and quarterback Teddy Bridgewater being his biggest successes.
Strong's emphasis on defense would also be good for a team that has allowed 482.1 yards per game (120th in the FBS) and ranks 100th in Football Outsiders' S&P+ defensive rating.
Taggart helped get the Bulls to bowl eligibility after the program went backward under Skip Holtz. Hiring Strong would be the best way for South Florida to ensure it remains a top Group of Five school.
Strong Reportedly Being Pursued by Oregon to Be DC
Friday, Dec. 9
Taggart is targeting Strong to be the Oregon's defensive coordinator, per Josh Newberg of 247Sports.
Strong Linked to Temple
Thursday, Dec. 8
The Philadelphia Inquirer's Marc Narducci reported Thursday afternoon that the Temple Owls have had discussions with Strong about potentially replacing Matt Rhule, who the Baylor Bears introduced as their new head coach on Wednesday.
A source who spoke with Narducci cast some doubt on Strong's chances of joining Temple, saying many Owls players would prefer defensive coordinator Phil Snow move up to head coach: "The players want Coach Snow. They have made that known."
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