After a big win versus Notre Dame in the season opener, and the subsequent throttling of UTEP, most Texas fans thought this would be the year that third year head coach Charlie Strong would right the ship. Two very tough losses, however, which saw Strong’s defense give up a combined 99 points to Cal and Oklahoma State, however, has many wondering if he’ll finish out the year as the Longhorns’ head coach. On Saturday, Strong will be fighting for his job in the Red River Shootout versus Oklahoma.
After dropping his second straight loss last
week against Oklahoma State; there has been reports that Charlie
Strong’s job is in jeopardy without a turnaround in the 2016 season
(Photo by Ronald
Martinez/Getty Images)The deal also included a $4.3 million buyout to Louisville, which was one of the largest one-year amounts paid for a public school athletics coach in recent history, totaling over $9 million in 2014 alone. In comparison, Mack Brown who won a National Championship with Texas, didn’t make $5 million annually until 2009.
What fans in Austin have received in exchange is a 13–16 overall record with one bowl appearance and two consecutive losing seasons, which may turn to three rather quickly. According to reports, the Texas brass is pleased with how he’s recruited and stockpiled talent while changing the culture, following the departure of former head coach Mack Brown. However, Strong has struggled mightily with strategy and game management, at times, which can’t be overcome with talent alone.
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Although LSU is rumored to have already reached out to former Baylor coach Art Briles and Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher, Herman remains their number one candidate. This potential competition for Herman will be interesting to watch, as fans will be anxious to see who he might choose. Texas could get the edge in this battle, since Herman has history with the state and university at several notable football programs, including the perennial FCS powerhouse Sam Houston State.
The shortlist for Texas, however, might include Art Briles and even Jimbo Fisher, especially if Florida State begins to slide. The Longhorns may also ponder hiring recently dismissed Les Miles, who stated in an interview on Saturday that he intends to coach again. There’s also Washington coach Chris Petersen, who currently has the Huskies ranked in the Top 10, which hasn’t happened often since their last National Title in 1992. However, this could all lead to naught if Strong finishes, well, strong and somehow reverses course with his team’s play. Fans and Strong might find out soon if the Red River Shootout turns into the Red River Blowout against an explosive Oklahoma offense.
Tom Herman – University of Houston Head Coach
- Overall Coaching Record (18-1), Currently Ranked #6th
- Accolades: American Conference Coach of the Year (2015), American Conference Titles (1), Bowl Appearances (1)
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