Report: Texas puts full-court press on Gilbert; prez 'committed to' Strong

Apparently Texas isn't taking no for an answer, as it's still going after Tulsa offensive coordinator Sterlin Gilbert.

By Tom Fornelli

Dec 11, 2015 at 6:32 pm ET • 1 min read

Be honest with us: A few days ago, if somebody had asked you about Sterlin Gilbert, would you have known his name? The Tulsa offensive coordinator has become a well-known commodity in recent days as Texas' seemingly never-ending search for a new offensive coordinator zeroed in on Gilbert.

Unfortunately for Texas, Gilbert reportedly said no, turning down a three-year deal from the Longhorns, due to concerns over the Longhorns' long-term commitment to coach Charlie Strong.

But it appears that Texas isn't taking "no" for an answer.

Sources have told me Texas is trying to rally and sign Tulsa's Sterlin Gilbert. President Greg Fenves is flying out to Tulsa tonight
— Anwar Richardson (@AnwarRichardson) December 11, 2015

Yes, Gilbert has now gone from somebody you had never heard of a few days ago to somebody that the school president -- of Texas! -- needs to get on a plane and convince to leave Tulsa.

Now, why is Texas in such a strange spot? Well, the situation in Austin isn't the most appealing to a new coach right now. Strong will be back in 2016, but after an 11-14 record through two seasons, he's assured of nothing after that.

Texas president Greg Fenves, who is reportedly making the trip with Strong to get Gilbert, even felt the need to tweet this on Friday evening.

I fully support Charlie Strong. I am committed to helping him move Longhorn Football forward.
— Greg Fenves (@gregfenves) December 11, 2015

So to recap, the school president has to make a show of public support on Twitter, and everybody needs to rally to convince a coach to leave Tulsa for Austin. From a public perception standpoint, things don't look good in Austin right now.

That said, if the Longhorns can convince Gilbert to come, and he proves to be a coach worth even half this effort, I don't think Texas will care about public perception this time next year.