Replacing DC Kevin Steele: Will The Miami Hurricanes Promote Charlie Strong Or Look Elsewhere?
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Nick Saban has just poached Kevin Steele from Miami's staff to fill the Crimson Tide's vacancy at defensive coordinator. How will Miami replace him?
Mario Cristobal might turn to the simplest solution: promote linebackers coach Charlie Strong. While Strong had mixed success as a head coach (Louisville, Texas, South Florida), he always thrived as a defensive coordinator. Strong was part of two national championship winning staffs while serving as DC at Florida.
I discussed this option today on a new episode of Locked On Canes:
I think Strong is a great option here. With him already being a member of the staff, it's a move that could ease the transition through continuity. He's oozing with experience. He's a great recruiter. Miami just reeled in an excellent group of linebackers with Strong serving as the primary recruiter for Malik Bryant, Bobby Washington, Raul Aguirre and Marcellius Pulliam.
Strong seemingly received an endorsement from Hurricanes linebacker Ryan Ragone. Ragone tweeted this image shortly after news of the Steele departure broke:
— Ryan Ragone (@TheRyanRagone) February 6, 2023
If Strong gets the promotion, a spot within the on-field staff could open up for one of Miami's defensive analysts like DeMarcus Van Dyke or Jason Taylor. Both of them, especially Van Dyke (he's put in the years,) deserve an expanded role.
I would be more than comfortable with Strong being named defensive coordinator. I am also open to options outside the program.
The first name that jumps out to me is former Wisconsin DC Jim Leonhard. He built an impeccable reputation in his seven years leading the Badgers defense. Leonhard is currently unemployed, so there's no buyout to pay. If Miami doesn't snatch him up, someone else will.
From what I've been told, Cristobal is a big fan of Pittsburgh defensive line coach and assistant head coach Charlie Partridge. I'm told Partridge could be very hard to get at this time, though. He was recently given a promotion by Pitt and had his salary doubled. Panthers head coach Pat Narduzzi took care of him in order to keep someone like Miami from stealing him away.
Miami has two coordinator jobs to fill and the clock is ticking. The Hurricanes open spring practice on March 4th from Greentree.
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