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South Florida fires head football coach Charlie Strong

By Alex Butler

Dec. 2 (UPI) -- The University of South Florida has fired head football coach Charlie Strong following a 4-8 season, his third at the school.

South Florida announced the decision Sunday. Strong, 59, posted a 21-16 record in his tenure leading the Bulls. He led South Florida to a 10-2 record in 2017 and a 7-6 mark in 2018. The Bulls ended the 2019 season on a four-game losing streak and will miss the postseason for the first time since 2014.

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"I would like to thank coach Strong and his staff for their hard work and contributions to our program," South Florida Vice President of Athletics Michael Kelly said a statement. "I have tremendous respect for coach Strong and his dedication to recruiting and developing young men of talent and character and leading them with integrity.

"He has represented USF with dignity and class and we wish coach and his family the very best."

Before taking the South Florida job three years ago, Strong was defensive coordinator at Florida and head coach at Louisville and Texas, compiling a 53-37 record. South Florida finished the season Friday with a 34-7 loss to rival Central Florida.

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"I fully support the decision to reorient our football program in a new direction," South Florida President Steven C. Currall said. "We are committed to excellence across all aspects of the university, including USF athletics.

"I am confident that our search will result in a new head coach who will lead our student-athletes to great achievements on and off the field."

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