Univ of Texas Hooks a New Head Coach

06 Jan, 2014

Charlie Strong was introduced as coach of the Texas Longhorns on Monday, beginning a new era in Austin. Strong, 53, replaces longtime coach Mack Brown.

“I can’t wait to get started,” Strong said Monday. “… It’s time to put the program back on the national stage.”

Strong will be the first black head coach of any men’s sport in school history. UT president Bill Powers called it “a historic day for the University of Texas and a historic hire for our football team.”

Strong takes over the Longhorns after four years at Louisville, his first head-coaching job. During his tenure, the Cardinals went 37-15, won two conference titles and an Allstate Sugar Bowl victory over No. 3 Florida last year.

“There’s no question he’s a winner,” Powers said. “… His talents as a coach are truly evident.”

Strong was named Big East Coach of the Year in 2010 and 2012, and led Louisville to a 12-1 record this season and a 36-9 victory over Miami in the Russell Athletic Bowl on Dec. 28.

He inherits a Texas program that went 8-5 (7-2 Big 12) in Brown’s 16th and final season and lost to Oregon 30-7 in the Valero Alamo Bowl. After a 1-2 start, the Longhorns won their first six Big 12 games and would’ve clinched an outright conference title with a victory over Baylor in the regular-season finale.

Brown, 62, resigned on Dec. 14 and finished his Texas career with a record of 158-48.

“Coach Brown has been a leader and he’s set a great example for all coaches,” Strong said. “He’s a man of great integrity, success and character. … I told him he will always be a part of this program. He’s always welcome into this program.”

ESPN

Image Gerry Broom

Mentioned In This Post: