Charlie Strong Takes Over Defensive Play-Calling Duties To Try And Save Job

Charlie Strong doesn’t seem destined to be at Texas much longer, but the 56-year-old head coach is clearly desperate to save his job. On Sunday, he reportedly stripped defensive coordinator Vance Bedford of his play-calling duties.

Multiple sources have told Orangebloods tonight that Charlie Strong will take over full control and play-calling duties from Vance Bedford.
— Geoff Ketchum (@gkketch) October 3, 2016

Charlie Strong will take over play-calling duties from DC Vance Bedford at #Texas, source tells @FoxSports. 1st reported by Orangebloods.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) October 3, 2016

Bedford was Strong’s defensive coordinator at Louisville, and the two were also on Urban Meyer’s staff at Florida for two seasons. So the two have worked together for nine years. Bedford is also a Texas alum.

This weekend Strong appeared to chew Bedford out on the sidelines, showing what might be some strain in their relationship:

Texas Defense. #Hookem https://t.co/lC2iqmV3DT
— Hookem Football (@hornsfootball) October 1, 2016

Strong is now 13-16 in his two-plus years in Austin and after a promising start to this season, the Longhorns are 2-2 heading into this week’s Red River Shootout against Oklahoma.

Texas is currently giving up 429.0 yards per game, which ranks 87th in FBS, while also surrendering 38.3 points per game, which is 116th. So yeah, the defense is a problem.

After an opening-week overtime win against Notre Dame, Texas handled UTEP 41-7, then reality set in. A 50-43 loss to Cal and a 49-31 bludgeoning at the hands of Oklahoma State have sent the Longhorns reeling. Strong’s job is anything but secure.

If he is going to completely flop at Texas, Strong might as well do it running his own defense. This decision probably wasn’t all that difficult.