I don't know what to think anymore...

[txleapd]

Texas brass to fly to Tulsa for Sterlin Gilbert as Charlie Strong hears support

AUSTIN, Texas -- According to two people with knowledge of the trip, Texas president Greg Fenves, football coach Charlie Strong and athletic director Mike Perrin were flying to Tulsa, Oklahoma, in an effort to woo Golden Hurricane assistant coach Sterlin Gilbert to be the Longhorns' offensive coordinator. He reportedly turned down an offer earlier Friday to join the Longhorns, according to ESPN's Gerry Hamilton and multiple reports.

Their flight was expected to leave Austin on Friday evening, according to the people who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.

A university spokesman did not immediately return a telephone message seeking comment.

The struggles to hire a top assistants have raised questions and anxiety among Texas fans about their program's stature within the Big 12 and nationally.

On Friday, multiple reports had Gilbert initially ready to accept the job, only to reverse course and stay with the Golden Hurricane. TCU co-offensive coordinator Sonny Cumbie turned down an offer from Texas to stay with the Horned Frogs.

Gilbert is the co-offensive coordinator at Tulsa but isn't the lead play caller. Tulsa (6-6) faces Virginia Tech (6-6) in the Dec. 26 Camping World Independence Bowl.

California offensive coordinator Tony Franklin reportedly has been in the mix as a candidate as well.

Earlier Friday, Texas president Greg Fenves tweeted that he "fully" supports Strong and added: "I am committed to helping him move Longhorn Football forward."

Perrin, who was initially brought on as interim athletic director in September and given the permanent job earlier this month, also has stated full support for Strong.

A university spokesman said the president felt compelled to respond after reports and fan reaction on web sites started blaming school administrators for Strong's difficulty revamping his staff.

Strong will get "whatever he needs to bring in the right coaching staff," university spokesman Gary Susswein said without elaborating.

Next season, Strong will be in the third year of a five-year contract that pays more than $5 million per year. He has been interviewing candidates for offensive coordinator to rejuvenate one of the worst offenses in the Big 12. He stripped offensive coordinators Shawn Watson and Joe Wickline of their play-calling duties after one game this season. Receivers coach Jay Norvell called plays for the final 11 games of Texas' 5-7 season.

Since playing for the national title after the 2009 season, Texas is 41-35. Strong is 11-14 in two seasons.

Posted 2 hours ago on ESPN.com

 

[GORME]

Posted 2 hours ago on ESPN.com

I don't see any flights from ATX recently.

 

[Russelville]

Texas has fingers crossed "hoping" the Tulsa co-OC will take their OC job.

Wow! Never thought I would see the day that happened.

 

[txleapd]

From BON...

"First broken by Orangebloods and confirmed by the Dallas Morning News, the initial reports only had Fenves making the trip, but the Austin American-Statesman believes that Perrin and Strong are both accompanying Fenves on the trip. And Horns Digest believes that tight ends coach Jeff Traylor is also on the plane."

So, it's not just ESPN. Like I said... I don't know what to think anymore.

 

[txleapd]

Texas has fingers crossed "hoping" the Tulsa co-OC will take their OC job.

Wow! Never thought I would see the day that happened.

No kidding... It's a damn embarrassment either way.

 

[HornosaurusRex]

Hook 'em

 

[HornosaurusRex]

Hook 'em

 

[bubba2023]

Thank god. I'll admit I'm a few deep into a bottle of bourbon

 

[clob94]

We had a verbal yesterday. Let's wait till we see the ink.

 

[txleapd]

It's being reported that its a done deal on every local station, so I'm guessing there's some teeth to it...

 

[mm42]

3 year deal makes it more likely strong gets to year 4.