Charlie Strong Returns to Columbia, Reflects on His Role in South Carolina’s Turnaround
Charlie Strong, now 66 and working as an SEC Network/ESPN analyst, is set to make his first trip back to Columbia in years, bringing with him a coaching résumé that includes head coaching stints at Louisville, Texas, and South Florida, plus a defensive line coaching role with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2025. But before all of that, Strong served as South Carolina’s defensive coordinator from 1999 to 2002, helping the late Lou Holtz transform the program from winless to consistently competitive, including back-to-back bowl wins in 2000 and 2001.
Strong expressed genuine excitement about returning, telling The State: “I’m just happy to go back there… I have some old friends there. I’d like to see and connect with some of them. I hope that [South Carolina] plays well. And I know they’ll play well, and I’d like to see them come out with a good victory.”
On His Broadcasting Career
Strong admitted the transition to TV analysis has been humbling despite his decades of coaching experience: “Everybody thinks they can do it, and it is not as easy as you think it is… I realized this: I’m a coach. I’m not a TV guy. Those guys, that’s what they do. But I’m a coach, so you’ve got to always look at it from a coaching viewpoint.” His preparation process involves meeting with coaching staffs throughout the week, gathering information on personnel, injuries, and game plans from both teams before broadcasting.
On South Carolina’s Current Roster
Assessing this year’s Gamecocks, Strong was optimistic, pointing to standout talent across the roster: “They’ve got an outstanding quarterback in LaNorris [Sellers]. They got an unbelievable receiver in [Nyck] Harbor, and then you’ve got a really good pass rusher with Dylan Stewart.” He praised the transfer portal work and expressed confidence that new offensive coordinator Kendal Briles’ up-tempo scheme would suit Sellers well: “It’s an up-tempo offense: Get up on the ball and go. So I think that’s gonna play into the strength of Sellers because it gives him a chance to see the picture, get the picture, and then just be able to see the defenses and go play.”
On Reconnecting With Old Friends
Strong plans to visit longtime colleague Buddy Pough at South Carolina State, recalling their history coaching together, and noted that Chris Matlock, another former colleague, still works in equipment for the women’s basketball program.
On How Much Columbia Has Changed
Strong acknowledged he likely won’t recognize much of the city or Williams-Brice Stadium after so many years away, but praised the enduring passion of Gamecock fans: “I can remember our first year there, we didn’t win a game. And every week they were there… It’s a special place. They have so much going for them and just like to put this year together, and I just want to see them be successful.”
On Turning the Program Around With Holtz
Reflecting on the early struggles and eventual success under Holtz, Strong called the turnaround deeply rewarding: “It was great to turn it around and go from not winning a game at all, to going to two straight Outback Bowl games and winning those games, beating Ohio State. It was good to put the attitude and the juice back into that program.”
On His First Defensive Coordinator Job
Strong recalled coaching standout defenders during a difficult winless first season, including Andre Goodman, Sheldon Brown, Dunta Robinson, Cleveland Pinkney, Cecil Caldwell, Kalimba Edwards, and John Abraham — the latter of whom went on to a standout NFL career despite the team’s struggles that season.
On His Fondest South Carolina Memories
Among his favorite moments, Strong cited beating Georgia and the program’s first Outback Bowl appearance, which included a memorable touchdown pass from backup quarterback Erik Kimrey after starter Phil Petty was injured against Mississippi State in 2000 — a game he called pivotal in the program’s turnaround.
On Lessons From His Coaching Career
Strong closed with a broader reflection on what his coaching journey has taught him: “It’s all about people, and it’s all about relationships, and it’s all about you having a chance to impact other people’s lives… You’ve got to believe in yourself. You’ve got to believe in what you’re doing and bring those young men with you. It’s been a fun journey.” He added that his coaching background directly informs how he watches games for broadcast, breaking down film and player decision-making just as he would as a coach.
About The Author
