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Report: Texas whiffs for 2nd time on hiring an offensive coordinator
Despite multiple reports that Texas had found its new offensive coordinator, Sterlin Gilbert has decided to remain at Tulsa.
Tulsa coach Philip Montgomery confirmed the latest reports that he will be retaining his co-offensive coordinator to David Smoak of ESPN Radio in Central Texas: "A big win for us," Montgomery told Smoak.
And a huge loss for Texas. Coach Charlie Strong has now struck out twice on his search for a new offensive coordinator. Earlier in the week, TCU co-offensive coordinator Sonny Cumbie rejected an offer reportedly in the neighborhood of $1 million per season. Now Gilbert, a native Texan who has deep ties in the state and is schooled in Baylor coach Art Briles' spread offense, has decided he'd rather stay at Tulsa than join Strong's staff. Strong is 11-14 in two seasons at Texas. Despite still three years still guaranteed on his contract, his future beyond 2016 is uncertain.
On Thursday, Strong interviewed Cal offensive coordinator Tony Franklin. Shortly after that news broke, Cal and head coach Sonny Dykes agreed on an extension through 2019, which included raises for his assistants.
Strong demoted offensive coordinator and play-caller Shawn Watson after the Week 1 blowout loss at Notre Dame and elevated first-year receivers coach Jay Norvell to play-caller. Although Strong has not fired any of his current assistants, he started interviewing candidates with roots in spread passing attacks.
Now, it appears, his search is starting from scratch.
