Report: Charlie Strong out as Texas' coach after the season
Just days after Texas athletic director Mike Perrin said coach Charlie Strong’s program would need evaluation but not immediate wholesale changes, Sports Illustrated is reporting that Strong will be out as the Longhorns’ coach at the end of the season.
Texas lost 49-31 to Oklahoma State last weekend and is currently 2-2. Strong, who demoted defensive coordinator Vance Bedford and took over the defensive play-calling, was asked about reports regarding his job status and he essentially skirted the question.
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“I told our players, ‘We have eight games left, you go play and let me worry about rest,'” Strong said, per Horns Digest.
It seems ridiculous if Texas has indeed decided to part ways with Strong, waiting until the end of the season, especially with at least eight games remaining. Anything could happen in those eight games. Texas hasn’t had a winning season since going 8-5 in 2013. The Longhorns could sweep the rest of the season or it could be mediocre. Either way, it’s now out there that Strong is reportedly a lame-duck coach, which will no doubt have an effect on the way the Longhorns play.
UT donor Red McCombs said he's not advocating a firing, and won't. "But don't tell me you can't fire someone in the middle of the season."
— Mike Finger (@mikefinger) October 3, 2016
McCombs: "It's not my call. But if they decide it's over, it doesn't do anybody any good to drag it out."
— Mike Finger (@mikefinger) October 3, 2016
Since last season, Texas fans have been clamoring for the university to make a run at Houston coach Tom Herman, who has lost just one game during his two seasons with the program. The Cougars are currently ranked No. 6 in the country.
But Texas won’t be Herman’s only suitor. Both Baylor and LSU are currently looking for head coaches and Auburn also could open up, making this an unprecedented year where the bulk of the job openings are with top-tier programs.
If Texas is going to part ways with Strong — now or later — it will owe him $10 million. That’s a hefty price to pay and Texas fans better hope its school has a credible backup plan in place.
For more Texas news, visit Orangebloods.com.
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Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter! Follow @YahooDrSaturday
