News
GAINESVILLE — Louisville athletic officials have scheduled a meeting today with the board of directors seeking approval to make Florida defensive coordinator Charlie Strong the Cardinals' head football coach.
Strong, 49, spent several hours interviewing with Louisville athletic director Tom Jurich on Sunday in Gainesville, a day after the Gators' 32-13 loss to Alabama in the SEC title game. He has not yet been offered the job.
Strong was in Arkansas on Tuesday at a banquet where he was a finalist for the Broyles Award, honoring the nation's outstanding assistant coach. Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart won the award.
If Strong is hired as expected, it is unclear whether he will coach in the Sugar Bowl game against Cincinnati on Jan. 1. Former offensive coordinator Dan Mullen accepted the head coaching job at Mississippi State last year, then returned to help coach the Gators in the BCS National Championship game.
"I'm not sure until a decision is made at the University of Louisville," Florida coach Urban Meyer said. "I've been very fortunate to have some great coordinators. As a matter of fact every coordinator we've ever had has gone on to be a head football coach. So I don't know that. That will have to be, both schools will have to be aligned with Charlie if that should happen."
Strong would replace Steve Kragthorpe, fired Nov. 28 with a 15-21 record in three seasons.
Strong's hiring might leave two vacancies on the Gators' staff. Wide receivers coach Billy Gonzales is reportedly considering going to Louisville with Strong.
A 23-year coaching veteran, Strong has been Florida's defensive coordinator since 2003.
Antonya English can be reached at english@sptimes.com.
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