Charlie Strong has all but become the University of Texas' (UT) new head football coach, as multiple sources he was offered the job, but has yet to accept.
The first report from Horns247 cited high-ranking officials who said Strong will be the next UT head football coach. Shortly after, ESPN's Brent McMurphy said the deal was essentially agreed to verbally. Strong is reportedly meeting with his current Louisville staff Saturday morning, but plans to accept UT's offer.
A high-ranking Texas official tells Horns247 that Charlie Strong will be next head coach of Longhorns. First reported by Horns247.
— Bobby Burton (@BobbyBurton247) January 4, 2014
Charlie Strong hasn't accepted Texas job; wants to talk w/UL AD & Prez source told @ESPN. Another source: no formal offer but he will accept — Brett McMurphy (@McMurphyESPN) January 4, 2014
McMurphy also reported that Strong told Louisville athletic director Tom Jurich he has not accepted the offer. Saturday's meeting will be with Jurich and Louisville University president James Ramsey.
Strong is coming off another strong season at Louisville, no doubt aided by star quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who has declared for the 2014 NFL Draft. Louisville's success has also led them to a conference shift to the ACC.
UT athletic director Steve Patterson has been working with the school's bottomless athletic program budget. He has been courting mostly tenured coaches, but many top candidates have publicly declined the offer before a formal one was made. Most recently, Baylor coach Art Briles and UCLA's Jim Mora stated they were not interested in becoming the Longhorns' coach.
According to BurtOrangeNation.com, multiple sources said Strong's contract with UT will be for five years and a $25 million.
Strong's turnaround with Louisville was swift; he went 37-15 since hired in 2010. This year, Louisville went 12-1 and dominated Miami 36-9 in the Russell Athletic Bowl.
Since Strong's hiring, the defense has allowed the seventh fewest points per game in the FBS, the sixth lowest yards per game, the tenth lowest yards per play and the third highest sack percentage. Louisville's defense allowed 12.2 points per game in 2013, second best in the nation, while scoring 35.2 points on offense.
Most telling of all, FootballOutsiders.com ranked Louisville's defense 14th overall. Before Strong took over in 2010, by the same measurements, the defense was ranked 81st overall.
