Coaching Carousel (Louisville Cardinals)

When Bobby Petrino came to Louisville he showed that you can have a great level of success at this traditional basketball school.  He had the Cardinals in the National Title discussion in 2006 going 11-1 and finishing the season ranked 6th nationally.  But after that season Petrinio left for the NFL and the Cardinals turned to Tulsa Head Coach Steve Kragthorphe who never won more than six games in his three seasons.  It was a 4-8 season in his third year that lead to his firing.  To get back on track the Cardinals turned to longtime Florida defensive coordinator Charlie Strong.

After getting his first crack at being a head coach, Strong didn't disappoint.  He used his connections in the state of Florida to stockpile his team (especially defense) with superior talent.  His teams always played good defense, but it wasn't till they landed top ranked QB Teddy Bridgewater when they really took off.  They went 11-2 in 2012 and then followed that up with a 12-1 record this past year. That success meant that Strong's name was floated out for many big job openings.  Strong has always been very loyal to Louisville, but when Texas came calling it was too much for the Arkansas native to pass up.

It should be interesting to see where the Cardinals turn.  The job is a lot more desirable now with the talent that Strong brought in and their move to the ACC coming next year.  The school has been known for giving coaches their first shot, so they could be a landing spot for one of the many hot coordinators out there.

Possible Candidates

Kirby Smart (Alabama Defensive Coordinator)
I firmly believe Smart will be taking a head job at some point (unless he knows Saban will be retiring sometime soon) if he eventually wants to get an even bigger job in the future.  Smart has helped create some of the bests defenses we've seen lately.  Add in that Louisville is still close to the Southern states he recruits and he could have the same success that Strong has.

Pat Narduzzi (Michigan State Defensive Coordinator)
Just like Smart, if the Cardinals want to continue having a strong defensive approach than Narduzzi is another option.  He stock is really high after helping the Spartans win the Big 10 and the Rose Bowl.  Narduzzi has spent most of his career in the Ohio/Michigan area which is just a stones throw from Louisville.  If I had to put money on it, I see Narduzzi being the choice.

Chad Morris (Clemson Offensive Coordinator)
If I was in charge of hiring the next Cardinals coach, then Morris would be the guy that I'd hire.  His spread offense has done wonders at Tulsa and then Clemson helping the Tigers win the Orange Bowl this year. He has experience in the ACC and recruiting in the area.  And without Teddy Bridgewater coming back they could use a dynamic offensive mind to help them move up in competition.

Shawn Watson (Louisville Offensive Coordinator)
If Louisville wants continuity, then Watson could be their guy.  He knows the lay of the land and has a rapport with his players.  He's known as a good recruiter and could keep the momentum going.  However Watson's offenses hasn't necessarily set the world on fire and without stud Bridgewater they might not have the same success.  Watson could be no more than a fall back candidate.

Bobby Petrino (Western Kentucky Head Coach)
It's a long shot, but you can't count out former Louisville head coach Bobby Petrino.  Petrino is well documented as a top flight head coach, but he does come with baggage.  Also add in that he didn't leave the Cardinals on good terms, they may not want to trust him again.  I don't see this happening, but it wouldn't shock me.