Official newspaper of The University of Texas at Austin

The Daily Texan

Official newspaper of The University of Texas at Austin

The Daily Texan

Official newspaper of The University of Texas at Austin

The Daily Texan

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October 4, 2022
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Bedford cedes defensive duties

2014-08-30_Texas_vs_UNT_Jonathan
Jonathan Garza

Head coach Charlie Strong will take over play-calling duties as well as control of the defense from defensive coordinator Vance Bedford, according to Orangebloods’ Geoff Ketchum.

The change comes in the wake of the Longhorns’ 49-31 loss to Oklahoma State in Stillwater, Oklahoma on Saturday. Bedford’s place within Texas’ coaching staff came into question after the team fell 50-43 to California in week three.

Texas’ defense has struggled through four games this season, as the burnt orange have surrendered an average of 38 points per game. The Longhorns have also failed to take the ball away from opposing offenses, registering just one turnover in 2016 — Texas ranks No. 127 in the FBS in turnovers.


“[If] You don’t get takeaways, you have a difficult time of winning a ball game,” Bedford said on Saturday. “We need to think about making plays.”

Strong and Bedford have been tied together throughout their respective careers. The two were on the defensive staff of Florida’s national-title team in 2008, and Bedford previously served as Strong’s defensive coordinator at Louisville.

But after surrendering over 45 points in three of the season’s four games, Strong decided it was time to make a change. Bedford’s time as Texas’ defensive coordinator is over, and it’s Strong’s turn to the run the defense.

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Bedford cedes defensive duties