Report: Charlie Strong to take over Texas' defense

Coach Charlie Strong is expected to take over the Texas defense, according to reports from Rivals and 247Sports.

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

Strong will address the media Monday morning.

The move means a demotion for defensive coordinator Vance Bedford, who had few explanations for Saturday’s 49-31 loss to Oklahoma State, which included 555 total yards for the Cowboys.

Bedford and the defense have come under fire this year — and by extension Strong — as it ranks last in the Big 12 in scoring defense at 38.3 points per game. It has allowed 47 or more points in three games this season, and a total of 99 points in the Longhorns’ two losses to Cal and the Cowboys.

Following the 50-43 loss to the Bears, Strong vowed to fix the defense during the team’s bye week. Following the bye week, Strong said he supported Bedford and that he wasn’t in favor of staff changes.

“I have a lot of confidence in Vance Bedford, and I know Vance is going to do a good job,” Strong said last Monday.

However, that was before Oklahoma State scored touchdowns on their first two possessions and on five of seven possessions in the first half, which put the Longhorns in a 35-27 hole. Much of Oklahoma State’s success came in the air as quarterback Mason Rudolph threw for 392 yards and three scores on just 19 completions. Six Oklahoma State receivers averaged double-digit yardage per catch and three averaged more than 27 yards per catch.

Bedford has been Strong’s longtime defensive coordinator. He was with Strong at Louisville from 2010-13 and came with Strong to Texas three years ago. He is expected to remain on the staff.

For more Texas news, visit Orangebloods.com.

– – – – – – –

Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter! Follow @YahooDrSaturday