Charlie Strong can keep his job, for now. After reports over the weekend that the Longhorns’ coach was all but fired after a shocking overtime loss to Kansas (the team’s only Big XII win this season) Strong said his employment status will be evaluated after this week’s game against TCU.
Strong’s Longhorns have posted losing records in the three years he’s been with the team, but a win Friday against the Horned Frogs could send the team to a bowl game.
Strong said he spoke with UT Athletic Director Mike Perrin before meeting with players today.
“In our meeting, I did not tell them that I would not be back. I said, ‘We got one game, let’s go get this game, let’s get to a bowl game. Let’s get these seniors to a bowl game, because they deserve it,’” Strong said. “And the administration have, you know, like Mike [Perrin] and I, we spoke yesterday and he said, ‘Hey, coach, you will be evaluated. You’ve got one game left. Let’s go get this game and you will be evaluated at the end of the season.’”
Strong emphasized his desire to win the game for the team’s seniors. Some of those players were reportedly prepared to boycott Friday’s game if Strong’s termination were announced today, according to Kirk Bohls of the Austin American-Statesman.
After the press conference, Strong was surrounded by players, who had attended the weekly availability as a show of support for the embattled coach. Strong did emphasize his desire to stay on for the remaining two years of his contract.
Charlie Strong leaving today's press conference, greeted by his players. pic.twitter.com/Ccm3L0jZzQ — Brian Davis (@BDavisAAS) November 21, 2016
