News and Notes on the Start of the Strong Era

With multiple outlets confirming the hire of Charlie Strong as the coach of the Texas Longhorns, a new day dawns on the 40 Acres. Naturally, attention now turns to staff and recruiting considerations, and while not a comprehensive list, here is some early information as of 12:40pm on January 5, 2014.

*Expect a press conference introducing Strong on Monday, but don’t be shocked if it is later Tuesday with Strong having a TV commitment to ESPN during the BCS title game.

*Looks like Strong will bring along three coaches thus far, one being his linebacker coach, one being Defensive Coordinator and former Longhorn Vance Bedford, and the other being Strength and Conditioning Coach Pat Moorer.

*Current Texas OL Coach Stacy Searles is expected to take the same job at Florida today. Early rumor is Oklahoma State OL Coach Joe Wickline will be targeted at Texas.

*I’m hearing the name of Tom Hermon as a potential OC candidate. Far too early to have any idea what will transpire with the most important hire on the new staff.

*2014 Texas QB commit Jerrod Heard remains 100% to Austin and likes the hire.

*Regarding the current staff, it looks like DE Coach Oscar Giles could be asked to stay on, which would be good for Texas to keep the commitment of SA Brennan DE Derick Roberson. Also hearing Darrell Wyatt and Larry Porter could be retained as well.

*Many are asking about Duane Akina. I don’t know that he fits with what Strong will want to do. Akina could retire, but I’ve heard absolutely nothing.

*The Foreman brothers are thrilled with the hire and are ready to be Longhorns

*2016 Commit Reggie Hemphill likes the hire and is firm to Texas

*CB Quandre Diggs has announced he will return to Texas for his senior season

More to follow as it develops.