Charlie Strong Press Conference Recap

A very exciting several days for fans of the Louisville Cardinals culminated today with the official press conference announcing the hiring of Charlie Strong as new football coach of the Cards. Strong’s hiring was approved by the UofL Athletic Association Board of Directors today at 3:30 pm and at 4:00, the presser began.

After some brief words from University President James Ramsey, Director of Athletics Tom Jurich took the mic. Jurich spoke at length about how many people he counseled with in regards to Charlie Strong. Many people have know Jurich does not use a search firm in his coaching decisions, but in reality, Jurich does.

Jurich contacted people such as ex-Colts coach Tony Dungy, ex-Broncos coach Mike Shananan, and SEC commissioner Mike Slive to find out as much as he could about his new coach. After introducing and welcoming the Strong family to Louisville, Jurich introduced new Cards coach Charlie Strong.

Our new head football coach

Charlie Strong is not someone you would classify as a great public speaker. He does not give the appearance of someone who is completely comfortable in front of large group, fielding questions from reporters. However, when you really focus on what he says, rather than how he says it, you come away extremely impressed and instantly understand why he is such a great recruiter.

By far, the most noteworthy ”moment” of the entire press conference was when Strong was asked about finally landing a head coaching position after failing to do so for several years. Coach Strong said when the job was officially offered, he looked at his wife and it was so emotional. As he said that, Strong was overcome with emotion and began to cry. He tried to continue to speak, even with his emotions getting the best of him, and said, “Because you just never thought it was going to happen.”

Coach Strong fighting back tears

At that moment, I became overwhelmingly convinced Charlie Strong wants to be the coach of the Cardinals. For all Louisville fans, that should be taken as an extremely positive sign. Here are some of the other highlights from the presser:

-Coach Strong said it was an easy decision to take this job because of Tom Jurich and the success Louisville has had as a football program. Strong knew he could come here and be successful

-He will coach the Florida defense in the Sugar Bowl because he does not want to leave Florida short a coach and because he feels like he owes it to them to finish the season

-Coach Strong describes his “style” as physical and aggressive. Several times, Strong stressed being aggressive on all sides of the ball

-As far as his time-frame goes, Strong’s main focus will be on recruiting and putting together his staff. He may not have his staff complete prior to the upcoming recruiting dead period, which I believe begins Dec. 21, but will definitely concentrate on recruiting

-Coach Strong had a very funny line when asked about filling his staff. He said he has people in mind, but you find out there were friends you never knew you had when you become head coach

All in all, a great day for Louisville fans. In my opinion, Strong won the press conference huge and should have a unified fan base behind him as he enters his first season. We will continue to follow the recruiting and potential staff situation as it develops.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH COACH STRONG’S PRESS CONFERENCE