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The blog has been (un)fortunate enough to cover three coaching searches in its ten year(!!) existence and for those who have a a life aren’t plugged into social media; here’s a timeline and tweetcap of the events of the last couple of days and what the local and national media are saying.
It started with a tip on a team meeting before CBS’ Dan Wolken broke the story.
DEVELOPING: Multiple sources have confirmed with Bulls247 that the #USF football team will have a team meeting at 3:30 today.
— Bulls247.com (@Bulls247) December 1, 2019
BREAKING: Staff members at USF being informed Charlie Strong is out, per source.
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) December 1, 2019
BREAKING: Charlie Strong fired after three seasons at USF, according to @DanWolken.https://t.co/6cvh5ZyTRw pic.twitter.com/JlTVntLDAS
— 247Sports (@247Sports) December 1, 2019
I have confirmed from USF coach that Charlie Strong has been let go and his replacement isn't known at this time. Had been hearing that Kerwin Bell would be promoted, but I've been told that isn't the case.
— Kevin ODonnell Fox13 (@ODonnellFox13) December 1, 2019
Banner Society’s Richard Johnson pointed out the timing, and his recent writings on the financial situation surrounding USF Athletics.
Reminder about the money situation at USF as this whole situation plays out. https://t.co/G05ZZajMSN
— Richard Johnson (@RJ_Writes) December 1, 2019
Almost immediately after finding out the news, rumors of who might take over surfaced.
Willie Taggart!? In this economy?
With Charlie Strong being fired at #USF, would not be surprised if the school tries to bring back Willie Taggart who was well-respected by the power brokers there. He's a local guy and knows the ins-and-outs of what that place is about. Plus, he's still getting paid by FSU.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) December 1, 2019
Some really interesting possibilities here ... Willie Taggart? Bret Bielema? Lane Kiffin? Shaun King?
— Chris Tisch (@christisch1) December 2, 2019
Via @TBTimes_Bulls @MBakerTBTimes @TB_Times @TBTimes_Sports #USF https://t.co/9JJ2wWVN4c
Yes, I have heard Willie Taggart brought up.
— CHRIS TORELLO (@TorelloSports) December 1, 2019
I was told earlier this week that some very influential donors were “in love” with the idea of bringing back Taggart.
Why not pull a Harlan and hire a guy getting paid big bucks to not coach somewhere else? #USF
But seriously.
I've learned representatives of #USF have been in contact with former Bulls coach Willie Taggart regarding his old job. Taggart badly wants a second act in Tampa, willing to commit in writing he's in it for the long haul.
— Joey Knight (@TBTimes_Bulls) December 4, 2019
A couple up-and-coming Clemson OC’s may get a phone call.
That's my best guess on the first full day of the search. And his father, former FSU offensive coordinator Brad Scott, graduated from...wait for it...USF. https://t.co/0rTkmFSjQP
— Joey Knight (@TBTimes_Bulls) December 2, 2019
Some thoughts on the USF job.... I expect them to reach out Clemson OC Tony Elliott. Told Elliott won't leave Clemson for USF, but USF will make the call. After that I think Willie Taggart comes into play. I've been told there's been contact between USF and Sexton. No offer yet
— Josh Newberg (@joshnewberg247) December 3, 2019
Or stay in-house.
Is it possible the next #USF head football coach is already on campus?
— BCP SPORTS (@BigCountyPreps1) December 2, 2019
@TBTimes_Sports pic.twitter.com/7XPpuyih47
Potential candidates with Bucs ties.
I’m hearing former #Bucs CB Donnie Abraham is interested in the #USF job.
— Florida Statute Section 1004.28(5)(b) (@BullsNathanSBN) December 2, 2019
Abraham was the HC at Clearwater HS and Gibbs. Was DC at IMG. Was the DB coach at Illinois in 2017.
Most recently was DB coach for Orlando Apollos.
His son, Devin, played at #USF 2014-2017
Choo-Chooooooo
I'm hearing Lane Kiffin is interested in the job. He's injected himself into all the searches, so why not USF? You also have Shaun King in the building & a darkhorse Houston OC Marquell Blackwell could come home.
— Josh Newberg (@joshnewberg247) December 3, 2019
If you followed us the last round of realignment.... this guy’s back! He’s not serious....we think.
Here’s my recommendation... FSU...Kendall Briles; Arkansas... Norvell; Mizzou...Rich Rod; USF... Bo Pelini; Iowa State... Bill Clark.
— Christopher Lambert (@theDudeofWV) December 2, 2019
Former players even stated their opinion on the opening.
Would love to see Larry Scott up for head coach at USF @USFFootball @MKellyUSF !
— kwebb (@kayvonwebster) December 2, 2019
Who do I need to get in contact with to be the wide receivers coach at USF!
— Rodney Adams (@rodney_adams87) December 1, 2019
I Just Want To Sit & Meet Wit MK That’s All.
— YoungKing9 (@SpotTheBall_9) December 1, 2019
With a coaching departure, there is always the chance of a current or committed player departing, too.
Really good news coming out of #USF
— Jay Recher (@jayRecher) December 1, 2019
Regardless of the Strong situation it sounds like to me that the majority of the players don’t want to transfer & want to stay here & get this thing right with the next coach
Love that
Brighter days ahead for the Bulls#GoBulls #HornsUp
We’ll update this with important information as we see it; be sure to stay tuned to The Daily Stampede for up-to-the-minute information on all rumors pertaining to the coaching search.
Welcome to the #SillySZN
@USFFootball If Y’all Was Smart Y’all Go Get @CoachTaggart I’ll Split The Bill With U!!!!!
— Plies (@plies) December 1, 2019