Bucs Hire Charlie Strong As Defensive Line Coach
February 5th, 2025
New Bucs DL coach Charlie Strong.
Though his NFL resume is thin as one-ply toilet paper, former South Florida head coach Charlie Strong returns to the Tampa Bay area with some 40 years of defensive coaching experience.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports Strong will replace Kacy Rodgers as the Bucs’ defensive line coach. The long-time college coach spent just one season in the NFL serving as Urban Meyer’s linebackers coach in Jacksonville.
And that’s not really something to brag about.
Strong also was head coach at Louisville and Texas before coming to South Florida. He did spend six seasons earlier this century serving various responsibilities on Florida’s defensive staff including defensive coordinator.
Strong was also on Nick Saban’s staff in Saban’s final year as coach at Alabama.
So Strong has a lot of experience developing children into young adults on a football field. Experience working with professionals? Not so much.
Rodgers was long-time associate of Bucs coach Todd Bowles dating back to their days with the Cowboys some 20 years ago. Rodgers left last month to take the same position with the Lions.
Rodgers’ unit was the best-producing position group of the Bucs’ defense. Joe fears he will be missed.
The #Bucs are set to hire Charlie Strong as their new defensive line coach, sources say.
The former #Louisville and #Texas head coach spent last season with #Bama as an analyst. Now, back in the NFL for the first time since 2021 with the #Jaguars. pic.twitter.com/BMPelYomm1
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 5, 2025
February 5th, 2025 at 1:35 pm
Future Bucs Defensive Coordinator???
February 5th, 2025 at 1:44 pm
I misread the headline, thought we had made a strong hire LOL
Hope he’s good
Go Bucs!
February 5th, 2025 at 1:46 pm
I like this hire, the defenses he coached at Florida as a DC were dominant.
February 5th, 2025 at 1:47 pm
I know you tried to justify this opening contradiction by pointing out his NFL vs college experience, but to say someone with 40 yrs of experience has a “toilet paper thin resume” is absurd. Experience is experience regardless how you try to taint it. Do really think a 21 yr old NFL rookie is that much more mature than a 19 college player? Your Roger’s bias is apparent.
February 5th, 2025 at 1:54 pm
He’s always been a strong starter.
It might work in that nowles wants edgecrushers to cover sometimes and he can potentially develop that.
He deserves an nfl chance having been almost to tge top of college football.
And biwles does pick a decent staff
February 5th, 2025 at 1:58 pm
Charlie Strong was a total DISASTER as a HC. He left ALL THREE Programs he helmed in total RUINS. Louisville. Texas. And, our local USF. It took Texas and Louisville both, YEARS to dig themselves out. And, USF STILL has not been able to. He took over a JUGGERNAUT at Louisville, that was left behind by Petrino. Then, did the exact SAME thing after replacing the ‘legendary’ Texas head coach, Mack Brown. And, even when at USF… They were ROLLINNNNN’ under Willie Taggart.
February 5th, 2025 at 1:59 pm
Need an assistant LB coach now
February 5th, 2025 at 2:08 pm
Not impressed.
February 5th, 2025 at 2:09 pm
We didn’t like him at Texas. We’ll see.
February 5th, 2025 at 2:10 pm
They signed him *only* because his NFL experience was in Jacksonville. Maybe the Bucs think they are getting even with them. lol
February 5th, 2025 at 2:11 pm
I trust nothing he does on that side of the ball
February 5th, 2025 at 2:14 pm
Meh this is very under whelming hire but then again it probably will only be a year rental because if Bowles defense performs like past seasons he won’t be here come next year anyways.
February 5th, 2025 at 2:17 pm
Hope Vicky is doing Good!!
February 5th, 2025 at 2:22 pm
At this point I think of the old William Holden movie “Toward The Unknown.”
Yup. That’s where we are heading.
No telling how this movie ends. Maybe he gets a gift. A MG gift. If Licht can swing it. Be quite a feather in his cap, wouldn’t it.
February 5th, 2025 at 2:26 pm
As long as the Bucs NEVER promote him to DC or HC it should be fine.
February 5th, 2025 at 2:28 pm
Yuk. Yes man hire.
February 5th, 2025 at 2:30 pm
Bowles is destroying this team. He’s clueless. Light needs to put a stop to this nonsense.
February 5th, 2025 at 2:34 pm
So Rodgers unit does not include coaching OLBs? Only the interior d-linemen? Cuz there’s no world in which our OLBs were anywhere close to the best unit on defense.
I have plenty of issues and criticisms of Bowles, but 3 straight division titles, 3 straight post season appearances and a W-L record that has improved each subsequent year is not the definition of “destroying” no matter how you try bend the facts to your narrative.
February 5th, 2025 at 2:53 pm
Give him a chance and see how he does. We have a young roster. He might surprise everyone and do well. Go Bucs!
February 5th, 2025 at 2:58 pm
Great hire and an elite football mind
Elite D coordinator at Florida, who cares if he couldnt recruit that well at Texas as HC.
Strong may very well act as a CO-DC as the season goes along
February 5th, 2025 at 2:59 pm
This was a good pickup. Strong will do very well for us.
February 5th, 2025 at 3:04 pm
F minus …… but this can’t be real ??
Is this an early April Fools Joke !!
Not Funny at All but now let’s get back to the coaching search !!
I just fact checked AI and it said Charlie is not hire able at the NFL level.
February 5th, 2025 at 3:11 pm
Upgrade!!
February 5th, 2025 at 3:15 pm
not impressed. Should’ve went younger, we need more juice.
February 5th, 2025 at 3:18 pm
Another Yes man
February 5th, 2025 at 3:24 pm
Can’t wait to see Vita Vea and Kancey drop back in more zone coverage.
Well on the way to having the most uninspiring, soft defense in NFL History.
February 5th, 2025 at 3:37 pm
I don’t get hiring another 60+year old coach, but oh well, it is what it is. I would rather have had a young modern day ‘mind and motivator’ – but hell, how much damage could HE really do as a “Defensive Line Coach.” Let’s hope not very much. Unless, he has fallen on ‘tough times’ and Bowles is just throwing him a bone, he shouldn’t be needing the money… That Texas Buyout was pretty huge. Best I can remember, anyways. Seems like, USF got him at a pretty nice discount, since TEXAS was still paying about $5-MIL of it per year!!!!
February 5th, 2025 at 3:39 pm
As a position coach, great hire.
February 5th, 2025 at 3:41 pm
Quick question Joe: Kacy Rodgers was Todd Bowles DC up in New York from 2015-2018. Did Rodgers design the defense and call the plays up there (the REAL DC?), or was Bowles dual-hatted as the Jets’ DC like he is here?
February 5th, 2025 at 3:54 pm
It’s just SUCH a shame though, cause prob just about 8-years ago, you would’ve ‘thought’ FOR SURE, it was a ‘done deal’ that USF would’ve gotten the invite to a “Power-Conference” FIRST, over UCF. Pre Charlie Strong, that is. Especially, as a former “BCS Conference” Member, being part of the old “Big East.” Just such a shame. Now, their prospects are very VERY bleak. Memphis is ‘outspending’ them in NIL at least 3-1 (and might’ve been even more than that) just in football last season alone, according to what I saw a month ago, from On3. It made me really wonder, WHERE is this BIG “top (power conference) level” commitment on NIL, that we’ve all been hearing about!?
February 5th, 2025 at 3:59 pm
I guess Bowles likes over the hill washouts on his defensive staff.
Young and innovative works for the offense. Would have liked to have seen this approach on defense, too. Strong has been a failure everywhere he’s gone – Louisville, Florida, Texas. I don’t have big hopes for this hire.
February 5th, 2025 at 4:21 pm
Oh boy…. I haven’t heard that name is a long while. Has he been out of football?
February 5th, 2025 at 4:23 pm
Joe, not sure if anyone has asked this question yet, has Strong ever coached DL? I know he was the DC at Fl under Myers and if not mistaken with the Jags also but has he ever coached DL. 64 years old hummmm
February 5th, 2025 at 4:32 pm
Speaking of the Bucs defense Joe, what would be the best trade value, Trey Hendrickson or Garrett? If the Bucs decide to go trade rather than draft for a DE
February 5th, 2025 at 4:45 pm
Melvin B
The Bobby Petrino shenanigans timeline story on google do not paint a good picture of Petrino. He is known for quick exits from teams. In the timeline
unnamed SEC coaches thought that it would take three years for Arkansas to recover because he loaded up on the offense and left the defense depleted. Also said he did the same thing at Louisville. He is known his quick exits from teams including a quitting on a ten year contract to prove he was serious after one year at Louisville. Its an interesting article an I came away with the opinion that Petrino and athletic director were both instrumental in the Louisville struggles.
i
February 5th, 2025 at 4:51 pm
What has CS done to warrant any kind of excitement for fans as DL coach for the Bucs. Actually, what has he done to even be considered for the position. We all pretty much know the answer to that question. Typical CTB .500 type of move. Horrendous. Just goes from bad to worse. What huge mistake not getting rid of CTB at the end of last season.
February 5th, 2025 at 5:29 pm
Bubby doesn’t read the article, only the title. Good Lord.
Strong and Dan Quinn both had outstanding defenses for Florida. His exposure to Saban’s program may be a benefit; perhaps this will be a familiar face and voice, who can translate Bowles’ objectives into a language Braswell understands. Would be worth it if he can do that, as an extra responsibility to being DL Coach.
February 5th, 2025 at 5:33 pm
Like Bowles, Strong isn’t a good head coach, but he is a great defensive coach. Florida had a very strong defense under Strong. Think he will be a great addition as the defensive line coach. great signing.
February 5th, 2025 at 5:49 pm
Charlie Strong – Defensive Coaching Legacy
Florida Gators (1991–1993) – Defensive Line Coach
* Brad Culpepper – 9 NFL seasons, 34 sacks*
* Kevin Carter – 14 NFL seasons, 104.5 sacks*
* Ellis Johnson – 10 NFL seasons, 51 sacks*
Notre Dame Fighting Irish (1995–1998) – Defensive Line Coach
* Renaldo Wynn – 13 NFL seasons, 27 sacks.
* Chris Hovan – 10 NFL seasons, 40.5 sacks*
* Anthony Weaver – 7 NFL seasons, 15.5 sacks.
South Carolina Gamecocks (1999–2002) – Defensive Coordinator
* John Abraham – 15 NFL seasons, 133.5 sacks*
Florida Gators (2003–2004) – Defensive Coordinator
* Ray McDonald – 8 NFL seasons, 19.5 sacks.
* Derrick Harvey – 5 NFL seasons, 8 sacks.
Strong’s influence produced NFL first-rounders and dominant pass rushers, including Abraham, Carter, Johnson, Hovan, and Culpepper with a combined 492 career sacks in the league.
February 5th, 2025 at 6:47 pm
Im sure the gaytor slobber knockers will be pleased??
February 5th, 2025 at 7:05 pm
That’s a big no on Charlie. He cashed USF checks under the guise of being their HC and ran the program into the ground. I’m sure many, if not most of you, were here to see it first hand. Football passed Charlie bye years ago. The Bucs don’t need his antiquated ideas in the building.
February 5th, 2025 at 7:12 pm
I’m not seeing anyone on any Bucs website overly excited about this hire.
February 5th, 2025 at 7:15 pm
He might be able to give some input on college edge rushers with good potential, that doesn’t seem to be Licht’s strong suit
February 5th, 2025 at 7:19 pm
What does Sapp think about position coaches? I don’t think I’ve ever heard him talk much about it, but I wonder if he thinks they actually do anything productive, or if they’re just basically babysitters to make sure people are doing their reps and what the coordinators and head coach want.
My opinion of them isn’t really all that high – I think they can certainly help with younger talent, but with a more veteran defense like this, I doubt Strong would be doing much unless they’re using him to scheme things, in which case having any fresh voices around is probably a good thing.
February 5th, 2025 at 7:48 pm
Luvmybucs, like your stats on Strong. I had asked earlier about had Strong ever coached DL. I now see he has. Also from what I just read from another site, Strong coached DL for the Jags. Maybe Bowles is on to something. As for age P Carroll is 74. Spags the Chiefs DC is 64
February 5th, 2025 at 8:26 pm
Sigh………….
February 5th, 2025 at 8:26 pm
I’m thinking this will work out ok. He was very good at Florida as an assistant. Sucks as a head coach, we’ve seen this movie before. I was hoping to see a defensive coordinator hired first but that’s not gonna happen so……
Charlie, good luck teaching Vita, Kancey and Gaines how to cover deep middle zone.
February 5th, 2025 at 9:03 pm
Bottom line it for us: how good is he training lineman in pass coverage?
February 5th, 2025 at 9:17 pm
I do t know , until we get a higher level of talent.on the edge it doesn’t matter who the coach is
February 5th, 2025 at 9:47 pm
I am not a NFL personnel guy but this may be a good hire Strong has coached several defensive positions including LBs, DL, DC and also DEs. With Strong having a lot of experience as a DC, maybe he and Bowles can combine their ideology and create a power defense
February 5th, 2025 at 10:13 pm
“That’s a big no on Charlie. He cashed USF checks under the guise of being their HC and ran the program into the ground.”
Jeff Scott ran that program into the ground. One of the worst FBS coaches of all time.
USF wasnt even that bad under Strong.
February 5th, 2025 at 10:14 pm
By typical USF standards, of course
February 6th, 2025 at 1:31 am
He last coached the D-line as a position coach in 1998. That’s 27 years since it’s been his focus. That’s longer than some of his players have been alive. I’d rather have a guy who’s made a career of it.
February 6th, 2025 at 2:06 am
Cool
Been rooting for this dude for years. He had some pretty good defenses for the Gators when he was the DC. I doubt he will be one of Todd’s yes men.
Good hire!!
Go Bucs!
February 6th, 2025 at 6:30 am
LUV
You come up with incredibly interesting and germane factoids. You should be the JBF research guru along with D.R. You two really provide some very interesting FACTS!
February 6th, 2025 at 8:46 am
How many tries will he get to be successful?
February 6th, 2025 at 9:25 am
Terrible hire. He’s inept, he’s lazy. He brings nothing to the table, other than a bad attitude.
February 6th, 2025 at 1:08 pm
Charlie Strong is definitely more than qualified for the position. He’ll do a great job !!
Go Bucs 2025 !!