2017 Distinguished Alumni 
Charlie Strong ‘82 is the head football coach at the University of South Florida. Strong is a two-time conference coach of the year, a proven recruiter and one of the best defensive minds in college football. Since 1995, Strong has coached 15 players selected in the first round of the NFL Draft and had 37 taken in the first four rounds.
A native of Batesville, Ark., Strong was a three-year letter winner (1979-81) and three-time all-conference safety while playing football at UCA, which reached the NAIA Playoffs each of his final two seasons.
Strong entered the coaching profession upon graduation from UCA. After several stops around the country, he received his first defensive coordinator assignment at the University of South Carolina under legendary coach Lou Holtz from 1999-2002. While at South Carolina, he helped guide the Gamecocks to a top 20 national ranking in 2000. It was this success that earned Strong his first finalist nod for the Frank Broyles Award, which goes to the top assistant coach in college football.
Strong served four separate stints working for the University of Florida’s football program in various capacities. Strong was a vital part of two national championships as defensive coordinator at the University of Florida, and in 2009 Strong was named a finalist for the Broyles Award for the second straight year, becoming only the second three-time finalist in the history of the award.
Strong made his head coaching debut at the University of Louisville in 2010. The Cardinals made 4 consecutive bowl appearances under Strong, winning the Sugar Bowl over No. 4 Florida in 2013. He was recognized as a two-time Big East Coach of the Year
Strong became the Head Coach at the University of Texas in 2014 and rebuilt the roster, put his stamp on the culture, and elevated the program’s infrastructure. His tenure at Texas included wins over No. 10 Oklahoma, No. 12 Baylor, and No. 10 Notre Dame.
Strong was inducted into the University of Central Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 2009.
