Even as Texas has yet to officially introduce its new head football coach, Louisville has confirmed the departure of the man expected to take over the Longhorns.
At a press conference Sunday afternoon, UofL athletic director Tom Jurich acknowledged that Charlie Strong has decided to take his leave of the Cardinals to take another job. Saturday night, it was reported that Strong had informed both Jurich and his coaching staff that he had decided to take the Longhorns job.
Strong interviewed with UT officials last week. Jurich made one last attempt to keep his coach, although the decision had already been made by Strong to take over in Austin.
“He had made up his mind by the time I got in there,” Jurich said. “I understand it. It was a dream of his.”
Jurich also stated that he was aware of what was transpiring in regards to Strong’s interest, saying that the coach “was always up-front. Not once did he go behind my back.”
Strong is expected to receive a five-year, $25 million contract from UT, although Jurich claimed that the move had “nothing to do with money.” In 2013, Strong made just over $3.7 million.
As far as a replacement goes, Jurich said that "[i]t’s a wide-open job ... Time should be of the essence. I’ll get the right person. Everybody is in play.” Interestingly, Jurich, who declined to give a timetable for a hire, did not dismiss the notion of bringing Bobby Petrino back to the Cardinals.
Some of the names who have been mentioned as potential candidates include Duke head coach David Cutcliffe, Clemson offensive coordinator Chad Morris, Michigan State defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi and Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart.