Report: Charlie Strong turns down Tennessee, to stay at Louisville
Riding a carousel, a child’s activity, is generally seen as an entertaining way to spend five minutes of your day.
Louisville Cardinals head coach Charlie Strong calls out instructions during the second half of play against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Papa John’s Cardinals Stadium. Louisville defeated North Carolina 39-34. (Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports)
However, sometimes children can be cruel towards each other, sometimes kids hate what they’re forced to do, and sometimes kids just throw up on planes and trains and automobiles.
Tennessee, forced to hop onto the coaching carousel following the brutally unsuccessful tenure of Derek Dooley, is not at all enjoying the ride.
The athletic department has not at all enjoyed the ride.
At first enamored with Jon Gruden, and then Mike Gundy, the Volunteers have now been turned down by yet another head coaching choice in Louisville’s Charlie Strong.
Strong, in his third season with the Cardinals, has led the program to a share of the last two Big East titles.
In the future, Louisville brass are hoping for an ACC Championships. The entire athletic department is making the switch to the Atlantic Coast Conference and Strong is excited for the opportunity to compete against stronger competition.
Also, Louisville provided Strong with his long-awaited shot at head coaching, and in a refreshing change, Strong has actually decided to reward such loyalty rather than bolting and hopping onto a new carousel ride.
Granted, that loyalty will come at a price.
According to sources, Strong is expected to sign a massive contract extension. It’s expected to be a significant commitment in both years and dollars and will reportedly put Strong in the top echelon of coaches in the ACC.
With quarterback Teddy Bridgewater returning as a potential Heisman candidate in 2013 and a nice new contract, Charlie Strong should be feeling right at home in Louisville.
Much to the chagrin of the folks over at Tennessee, who must make another rotation on the coaching carousel.
Where do you think Tenn turns to now? Let us know below!
Sources: Sports Illustrated
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