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5 potential replacements for Charlie Strong at Texas

By Rob Wolkenbrod

Oct 15, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Charlie Strong observes his team during warmups against the Iowa State Cyclones at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Charlie Strong observes his team during warmups against the Iowa State Cyclones at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports /
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If it’s time to replace Charlie Strong at Texas, who could replace him as the head coach?

Charlie Strong’s time at Texas has been short but filled with plenty of pressure. This school has always looked to win immediately, which is why longtime head coach Mack Brown departed after over a decade on the staff. So, the thought may have been that Strong could provide a quick turnaround for the Longhorns.

However, less than three years in, the process hasn’t gone as planned. Following Saturday’s loss to Kansas State, Texas has a 3-4 record. It made Strong’s record through two-and-a-half years at 14-18. While he could remain through the 2016 season, this may eventually see Texas look to find someone new to take over for 2017. Who are the options for this head coaching role at one of the most prestigious programs in college football history?

Oct 1, 2016; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley before the game against the TCU Horned Frogs at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley before the game against the TCU Horned Frogs at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Lincoln Riley

If Texas wanted to be bold, they could take a swipe at Oklahoma’s coaching staff. It wouldn’t sit well with the Sooners brass, and with good reason. That’s not the reason Lincoln Riley would be brought in as Charlie Strong’s replacement, though.

At 33-years-old, Riley is one of the top offensive coordinators in the nation. He learned from offensive guru Mike Leach and took these talents to Eastern Carolina for four years. Bob Stoops then hired him for the 2015 season and helped turn this Oklahoma offense into a juggernaut. Baker Mayfield excelled as a potential Heisman Trophy candidate and Sterling Shepard had a terrific season, leading to being selected by the New York Giants. Even Joe Mixon has become a formidable running back, that could in the first few rounds of a future NFL Draft. So, Riley has proven he can work with and build an offense, even if the talent around him is strong.

Riley moving to Texas could bring an added boost to the offense. They have pieces in place already, who could all go to another level under an elite offensive mind. That’s if he’d be willing to jump ship in a rivalry, though. There’s a loyalty in this Texas-Oklahoma battle that may be difficult to be broken. If the Texas Tech alumnus’ heart is in the Sooner state, it may be almost impossible for him to jump ship. Plus, he’s only 33-years-old, and may not have the experience to take on a high-profile job in Austin.

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