In a last-ditch effort that made Florida's pursuit of Jim McElwain look subtle, Texas reportedly has their man.
A source confirmed to FootballScoop late Friday night Tulsa co-offensive coordinator Sterlin Gilbert will indeed join Charlie Strong's staff at Texas. Additionally, Tulsa co-offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Matt Mattox will join Gilbert in Austin as the Longhorns' offensive line coach.
Just as important as knowing the final result is realizing the winding road this story took to get here.
It was reported Thursday Gilbert had accepted the Texas offensive coordinator job when he had very much not done so.
On Friday afternoon, FootballScoop confirmed multiple reports out of both Austin and Tulsa Gilbert would not be coming to Texas.
A few hours after those reports emerged -- enough time for a rumble to turn into a roar in the Texas internet community -- Texas president Greg Fenves sent the following tweet:
San Antonio Express-News beat writer Mike Finger confirmed the tweet was meant to squash rumors Strong missed on Gilbert due to a lack of support from his office. And then Fenves, AD Mike Perrin, Strong and tight ends coach Jeff Traylor loaded up to go take one more swing at Gilbert and Tulsa co-offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Matt Mattox.
At that point, the Texas brass had no choice but to bring Gilbert with them to Austin. There was no other option.
And now, with the deal reportedly done, all Strong and Gilbert have to do is fix a program that's 11-14 in the past two seasons and an offense that ranked 109th and 85th nationally in scoring.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.