TCU coordinator Sonny Cumbie considering Texas job?
Offensive coordinator Sonny Cumbie may leave TCU for same position at Texas.
If you can’t beat ’em, offer ’em a job and see what happens.
That’s what Charlie Strong did late Sunday night, just a day after his Longhorns upset the Baylor Bears in Waco. It’s unknown yet whether or not Cumbie will accept Strong’s offer to become the new offensive coordinator at UT, but sources say his decision could come any day now.
Despite a pair of upsets over ranked Big 12 rivals this season (Baylor and Oklahoma), Texas had yet another disappointing season under Strong, finishing 7th in the conference with a 5-7 record. A large part of the problem lies in the Longhorns’ inability to put up points: they finished the season ranked No. 92 nationally in scoring offense. This isn’t a new issue either, as the last two years UT also finished with the 85th and 109th ranked offenses.
Strong has tried numerous times to solve his team’s scoring woes within house, mixing and matching his offensive assistants in a variety of roles and passing around the play-calling duties frequently, often even mid-season. But it appears he has finally given up on the majority of his current staff, as numerous reports indicate that Strong may fire all of his coordinators on offense except first-year tight ends coach Jeff Traylor.
By comparison, TCU has consistently wielded a lethal and effective Air Raid offense under Cumbie. The Horned Frogs finished last season ranked No. 5 nationally and have improved to a No. 3 ranking this year.
Besides the difference in football pedigree between the two schools (TCU is an up-and-comer riding a wave of recent success under head coach Gary Patterson, whereas Texas is a traditional power rich in history and championships), money could also be a factor. According to a source, Cumbie makes about $700,000 at TCU, but could be in line for a salary raise “north of $1 million annually and a three-year guaranteed contract” should he come to terms with Strong and accept the Longhorns’ offer.