In-Depth: Meet Charlie Strong’s New Coaching Staff

CharlieStrong_presser_insider1

When a new coach comes to town, it’s typical for him/her to make significant changes to the coaching staff in place. Old coaches who once felt secure in their positions are replaced with new, exciting blood with new perspectives, so it’s no surprise that Charlie Strong is already making changes and filling out his future staff.[s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level2)]

After a week full of interviews, Strong has already hired the majority of his new coaching staff.

Vance Bedford, defensive coordinator for Louisville, will replace Greg Robinson and continue his tenure occupying the DC post under Strong.

Bedford led Louisville to the second best defense in FBS, allowing only 12.2 points per game and is a Texas alum, playing linebacker for the Horns from 1977-81.

Likewise, Brian Jean-Mary will be Texas’ new linebacker coach, the same position he filled under Strong at Louisville.

Both men were connected to their respective jobs long before the announcement of their hiring Friday.

The most significant coaching change is the replacement of defensive backs coach, and DBU pioneer, Duane Akina with Chris Vaughn. Akina leaves behind a legacy as the defensive backs coach that stretched to 2001.

Vaughn, who previously coached at Memphis and Ole Miss, will coach the secondary.

Chris Rumph, who was plucked from Saban’s Alabama coaching staff, will coach the defensive line – the same position he coached with the Crimson Tide.

On the offensive side of the ball, Shawn Watson, who was the offensive coordinator at Louisville, is expected to be the quarterbacks coach.

Tommie Robinson, who was the running backs coach at USC last season, will occupy the same position on Strong’s staff. Robinson previously coached three seasons as the running backs coach with the Arizona Cardinals.

The only hire from a fellow Big 12 school is John Wickline from Oklahoma State. Wickline will coach the offensive line.

Seasoned Texas tight ends coach Bruce Chambers is the only Longhorns coach who will retain his position. Chambers was on Mack Brown’s staff for all 16 years of his tenure.

The only positions that have yet to be filled are offensive coordinator and receivers coach. We will likely learn in the coming days who Strong will hire for those positions.

Coach Strong’s New Staff

Position Name   Previous School
Defensive Coordinator Vance Bedford  BedfordVance Louisville
Cornerbacks Coach Chris Vaughn  chrisvaughn Memphis
Defensive Line Coach Chris Rumph  chris rumph Alabama
Quarterbacks Coach Shawn Watson  shawn watson Memphis
Linebackers Coach Brian Jean-Mary  Brian Jean-Mary Louisville
Running Backs Coach Tommie Robinson  tommie robinson USC
Offensive Line Coach Joe Wickline  WicklineJ13mug Oklahoma State
Tight Ends Coach Bruce Chambers  BRUCE_CHAMBER-214x300 Texas
Offensive Coordinator ?   blank-person-07d1653f840307220b203ecb834f5904
Receivers Coach ?  blank-person-07d1653f840307220b203ecb834f5904

[/s2If]
[s2If current_user_is_not(s2member_level2) OR current_user_is_not(s2member_level3) OR current_user_is_not(s2member_level5) OR current_user_is_not(s2member_level6)OR current_user_is_not(s2member_level7)]

The rest of this article is available to Digital Subscribers only. Login or Subscribe to continue reading.
[/s2If]

Men's '47 Charcoal Texas Longhorns vs. Oklahoma Sooners Red River Rivalry Showdown Corn Dog Hitch Adjustable Hat

Discover more from Horns Illustrated

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Discover more from Horns Illustrated

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading