Charlie Strong takes over defense for Texas, demotes Bedford

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) Texas coach Charlie Strong has taken charge of the Longhorns' defense and demoted defensive coordinator Vance Bedford. Strong made the

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) Texas coach Charlie Strong has taken charge of the Longhorns' defense and demoted defensive coordinator Vance Bedford.

Strong made the announcement Monday at his weekly news conference. He said he will run the defense and call the plays.

WIN $2KIN TICKETS

WIN $2KIN TICKETS

GET READY TO COMPETE

Pick your champion (you can change it later). We’ll email you when brackets open.

• Georgia
• Utah
• Alabama
• UCLA
• Notre Dame
• Texas
• Miami (FL)
• Tennessee
• Indiana
• BYU
• Kentucky
• Texas Tech

PREREGISTER TO PLAY

No purchase necessary. 50 U.S./D.C. 18+. Entry opens 3PM ET Dec 6, 2026 and closes 8PM ET Dec 18, 2026. Void where prohibited.See Official Rules for complete details. The College Football Playoff (CFP) is not a sponsor or administrator of this contest.

Texas started the season with a win over Notre Dame that pushed the Longhorns into the Top 25, but even then, the Longhorns gave up 47 points. A 50-43 loss to California stung, then the Longhorns had a week off to prepare for Oklahoma State. The Cowboys racked up 555 yards and posted their highest point total in 31 meetings with the Longhorns, winning 49-31. Strong said the team had ''a lot of talent on defense,'' and called its performance ''unacceptable.''

Strong said Bedford will help with the defensive backs.