According to C.L. Brown, Charlie Strong will name Shawn Watson as his offensive coordinator instead of making an outside hire.

Watson served as U of L's quarterback coach last season, but called the plays during the team's final eight games after offensive coordinator Mike Sanford left the program. He had previously served as the offensive coordinator at both Nebraska (2007-2010) and Colorado (2000-2005).

There had been talk that Strong was looking at LSU assistant Billy Gonzales to fill the role, but Gonzales accepted the OC position at Illinois earlier this week.

Tight ends coach is now the lone vacancy on Strong's 2012 staff.

Watson already received a healthy dose of criticism from Louisville fans last year, and he has to know that expectations are high heading into a 2012 season with so many returning players at key positions. If the team struggles early on, then there's little doubt in which direction the initial fingers will be pointed.