Texas' Charlie Strong shakes up staff, names new offensive coordinator

AUSTIN, Texas - Searching for a spark on offense, Texas coach Charlie Strong is shaking up his staff by handing play-calling duties to wide receivers coach Jay Norvell.

Strong announced the change Tuesday night after Texas' 38-3 loss at No. 9 Notre Dame, the Longhorns' third consecutive blowout loss dating to last season. Texas (0-1) ranks last in the nation in total offense and is tied for last in scoring.

Strong is taking play calling away from his longtime assistant and quarterbacks coach Shawn Watson, who came to Texas with Strong from Louisville. Watson, who is also assistant head coach, will continue working with quarterbacks Tyrone Swoopes and Jerrod Heard.

Strong said:

We have to get this program on track. We have to do a better job of coaching. There's no reason for us to go out and perform at the level we've been performing. There's no reason at all.

It was a tough decision because Shawn and Joe and I have been friends for a long time. You have to do what's best for the program.

We have to get better, and we need to continue to move forward. It's all about productivity, it's about building a program and building it the right way.

Strong said he hasn't named a starting quarterback for Saturday night against Rice (1-0).

Norvell joined Texas this season from Oklahoma, where he spent seven years, four as offensive coordinator.

- With files from theScore