Alabama Football: A ‘Strong’ coaching analyst on the horizon

Sources confirmed Friday that former University of South Florida head coach, Charlie Strong, was in Tuscaloosa meeting with the Alabama Football coaching staff. Rumors are surfacing that Strong may join the Tide staff as a defensive analyst.

Despite lots of grief from fans, it does not appear as though the on-field coaching staff appears to be changing much moving into the 2020 season. Although the Alabama Football team showed a subpar defensive performance throughout the 2019 season, defensive coordinator Pete Golding appears to be keeping his responsibilities moving forward.

Yet a silver lining for Tide fans might be the sight of Charlie Strong in Tuscaloosa on Friday in what some claimed to be “interview clothes”.

The addition of Charlie Strong would be as a defensive analyst in an off-field position. Charlie Strong was relieved of his duties as the University of South Florida following this past season and has not been picked up by a coaching staff yet. His defensive mind and the Tide’s need to regain the respect of the SEC seem to be a match made in heaven.

After a strong start in his first year at USF going 10-2, he had a less than impressive record in his last season with the Bulls missing a bowl game with a 4-8 record. Prior to his time at USF, Strong had coaching stints in Louisville and Texas. He struggled substantially at Texas but had several successful seasons at Louisville.

Prior to his head coach positions, he served as the defensive coordinator for the Florida Gators from 2003 to 2009 during which the Gators won two national championships. Strong’s expertise would be a huge addition for the Alabama Football’s defensive staff room for 2020. While coaching analysts are not allowed to directly coach the players, analysts serve as an extra mind and person to plan ahead for upcoming games and support the assistant coaches.

Rumors have also spread that Strong might be returning to the Gators to serve on their staff as a defensive analyst. Florida head coach, Dan Mullen, was the offensive coordinator at Florida when Strong served as their defensive coordinator.

Despite the relationship history with the Florida Gators, the Alabama football staff appears interested in the addition of Strong. While the Gators might have the relationship advantage with Strong, Saban certainly has a record of “rehabbing” struggling head coaches in analyst positions before launching them to new jobs. Former Tennessee coach, Butch Jones, is a part of that program currently.

The young, current Alabama Football defensive coordinator, Pete Golding, could certainly benefit from Strong’s experience and defensive mind. Only time will tell if Strong will join the Tide’s revenge tour next season.