Posted by: Pete Roussel on April 2, 2012

Even head football coaches can have a little fun!  This year's clear winner for best April fool's joke goes to Houston head coach Tony Levine.

Sorry, the BREAKING NEWS report about Mark Richt to the New Orleans Saints didn't receive consideration.

Levine tweeted early Sunday afternoon, announcing that 1st team All-Conference USA running back Charles Sims would be changing positions, moving to cornerback in order to best utilize his athletic ability and skill set.

"Charles Sims is the ultimate team player.  We're excited about his position change.  It's really going to help our team," tweeted Levine.

The move was a head-scratcher and irked the Cougars' fan base.

Why in the world would you take your best returning offensive player, a guy that averaged 7.5 yards per rush as a freshman, and move him to corner?

Levine's tweet included a link that directed viewers to a press release on the Houston official athletic department website, which included quotes and a video explanation from Levine and Sims.

Levine even stated on camera (with a straight face), "I talk to our coaches all the time about thinking outside the box.  Coach Bryant has come up with the 3-1-7 package, which I think is going to be phenomenal.  No school in the country is running it.  It's something he's come up with in the last couple of months.  The added depth at defensive back, by moving Charles over there, is going to give us the ability to run the 3-1-7 package.  We'll base out of that more than the 4-3.  It's something we'll start implementing at practice on Monday.  The kids are really excited about it."

For those panicking and completely dumbfounded, Levine did follow up with a later tweet.

"I hope every enjoyed the joke earlier today.  Charles Sims is not moving to defense...he's moving to kicker. Have a great April Fools day," Levine tweeted to cool the fan base.

(How does Levine possibly keep a straight face when talking about a 3-1-7 defensvie scheme?)

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Pete Roussel is a valuable resource for coaches, athletic directors, NFL front-office personnel, and college football enthusiasts. A former college football coach, Roussel shares insight on coaches 365 days a year and is recognized as the most trusted expert on coaching transactions. Follow @CoachingSearch on twitter and send your feedback to pete@coachingsearch.com