Report: Blowout Texas win over TCU could save Charlie Strong’s job

Following a wild week of speculation, Texas Longhorns head coach Charlie Strong could save his job with a blowout win over the TCU Horned Frogs on Friday, a university source told the Austin American-Statesman on Thursday.

And, in a change from last weekend’s news, Bruce Feldman of FOX Sports also reported on Thursday that the administration did not make a decision about Strong’s future last weekend.

Widespread media reports emerged last Sunday that Texas decided to fire the third-year head coach, with some thought that it could happen as soon as Monday.

But athletic director Mike Perrin released a statement on Sunday evening that he would evaluate Strong after Friday’s game against the Horned Frogs before making a decision.

Strong then turned in arguably his best press conference performance of his tenure in Austin on Monday, making his case for keeping his job and receiving a tremendous showing of support from his players.

Meanwhile, rumors have swirled about the possible Texas pursuit of Houston head coach Tom Herman.

On Thursday evening, multiple reports emerged that LSU was closing in on a deal with the top potential candidate for Texas, including consternation from the Houston-area Longhorns boosters pushing for Herman.

However, the news died down a bit on Friday as the Cougars faced off against another group of Tigers and administrators in Baton Rouge reportedly met with interim head coach Ed Orgeron following the big Thanksgiving win over the Aggies.

And Feldman reported that LSU had not met with Herman or his representatives on Thursday, contrary to a report.

In all likelihood, the reports about Herman heading to Louisiana were premature, a power play by his agent to drive up the bidding for his client and send a message to the decision makers in Austin.

So where do things stand right now with Strong and the ‘Horns?

A loss to TCU probably seals his fate, but any other result, particularly a resounding victory, could alter the equation for Perrin, president Greg Fenves, and UT system chancellor Bill McRaven, who is also reportedly involved in the decision-making process now.