Report: Charlie Strong is Miami Hurricanes' 'Leading Candidate'

Last night produced another string of denials from Texas head coach Charlie Strong in regards to his name continuing to be linked to the Miami Hurricanes' coaching opening.

In a press conference last night, Strong says the Miami stuff is "all a rumor" and he came to Texas to "build a program."

That smoke may have some staying power, however, at least on Miami's side. The Palm Beach Post reports Strong tops the Canes' wish list.

One well-placed source told the Post that UM's decision-makers have zeroed in on Strong as their leading candidate, and that they are waiting to see if Texas will fire him and make him available to a busy coaching market.

"If they don't get him, they think Virginia Tech will," the source said, adding that UM believes Strong "wants out" of Texas, where he is 10-13 as his second season draws to a close. This follows several reports – including one by highly respected Bruce Feldman, of Fox Sports – that say Strong is very much interested.

On the field, Texas is actually struggling more than Miami. They're 4-6 on the season after going 6-7 last year in Strong's first season.