South Florida targets ex-Texas coach Charlie Strong

Former Texas coach Charlie Strong is emerging as the frontrunner for the South Florida job and was slated to discuss the post with school officials on Friday, according to multiple reports.

Strong was fired by the Longhorns after going 16-21 in three seasons. Texas went 5-7 in 2016.

Strong is being eyed by South Florida to replace Willie Taggart, who accepted the Oregon job earlier this week.

Part of Strong's decision-making process is deciding whether to immediately take another head-coaching position or accept a job as a defensive coordinator. The Longhorns reportedly owe Strong $10 million over the next two seasons.

The 56-year-old Strong is also reportedly being targeted by Taggart to become Oregon's defensive coordinator. The Ducks allowed 41.4 points per game under defensive coordinator Brady Hoke last season and school president Michael Schill mocked Hoke during Taggart's introductory press conference.

"One bit of advice, which probably everybody in the state of Oregon can give him, is 'Go find a great defensive coordinator,'" Schill said. "Now I've exhausted my knowledge."

As for Strong, his reputation as a defensive guru reached its zenith when he was defensive coordinator of two national championship teams (2006, 2008) at Florida under Urban Meyer.

His status grew and he became head coach at Louisville prior to the 2010 campaign and compiled a 37-15 record in four seasons, including a 12-1 mark in 2013 before leaving for Texas.

Ohio State defensive coordinator Greg Schiano, former head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2012-13), is also reportedly interested in the South Florida job.