Former Gator assistant coach and current Louisville head coach Charlie Strong has declined a contract offer from Tennessee. Strong was offered the contract Wednesday morning but decided to decline it a few hours later.
Tennessee fired head coach Derek Dooley after an embarrassing loss to Vanderbilt. There are now reports that they will try to acquire North Carolina’s head coach Larry Fedora, another former Gator assistant, or Miami’s head coach Al Golden.
Strong chose to remain in Louisville where he has been since the 2010 season. The school is finalizing a long term contract with Strong that is expected offer a pay raise and more years to his deal.
Louisville recently made a transition from the Big East to the ACC, a move most expected would help keep Strong at the school. Strong also has a terrific quarterback in Teddy Bridgewater to build around as well. Louisville is expected to play in the ACC as early as 2014.
After finishing the season 10-2, Louisville won a share of the Big East title this past season and will play the Florida Gators in the Allstate Sugar Bowl on January 2, 2013.