When Florida takes on Louisville 29 days from now, Will Muschamp will see a familiar face on the opposite sideline — former Gators defensive coordinator Charlie Strong.
The third-year coach has turned a Cardinals team that was 7-6 just a year ago into Big East champions. Louisville will be making its second BCS bowl appearance.
Strong directed UF’s defense for seven seasons from 2003-09, winning national championships in 2006 and 2008.
His defense finished in the top 10 four times. Strong had three other stints with the Gators dating back to 1983 as a graduate assistant, linebackers coach and defensive line coach.
Strong acted as interim coach during a 27-10 loss against Miami in the Peach Bowl on Dec. 31, 2004, after UF fired Ron Zook.
Strong is featured alongside the other 22 head coaches in UF’s history on a plaque near the North End Zone in The Swamp.
“I spent so many years there, and I just think back; it seems like yesterday we were in the Sugar Bowl playing Cincinnati,” Strong said.
The Gators defeated the Bearcats 51-24 in 2009 during UF’s most recent Sugar Bowl appearance. While Tim Tebow accounted for four touchdowns in his final collegiate game, Strong’s defense held the fourth-ranked Cincinnati offense to its lowest scoring output of the season.
Strong coached Gators linebackers Jon Bostic and Lerentee McCray during his tenure at UF.
Strong couldn’t quantify how many current Gators he recognizes. Thirty players remain from his time in Gainesville. Bostic and McCray occasionally give Strong a congratulatory phone call.
During his time as a defensive coordinator at LSU and Auburn, Muschamp got to know Strong. Muschamp admired the job Strong did at Florida, and Strong praised the resurrection in The Swamp this season.
“Coach Will has done an outstanding job,” Strong said. “He’s a really good friend of mine. I know when he took over that program, I told him if there was anything I could do, I would be more than willing to help, even though I was moving on to Louisville.”
Reports surfaced last week linking Strong to the head coaching vacancy at Auburn. Strong denied rumors that alleged he had been interviewed.
The various head coaching rumors started back when Strong coached at Florida. He’s tired of talking about them.
“I’m never going to deal in rumors,” Strong said. “People can say whatever they want about me. They’ve always said it, but if I didn’t say it, I’m not going to deal with it.”
Strong would rather not face Florida because of his ties to the school. He relished his time in Gainesville.
“You just look at a program that’s been consistent year‑in and year‑out and they are going to compete on a national level,” Strong said. “It’s a program of excellence, and I really enjoyed my time there and there are so many memories there.”
Contact Adam Pincus at apincus@alligator.org.
