Amid reports that he will be fired as Texas' coach, Charlie Strong doesn't believe the decision has been made.
The Austin American-Statesman reported Sunday that UT had decided to fire Strong, although Perrin issued a statement that Strong's "body of work" would not be evaluated until after the regular season. Strong said Monday during a press conference that Texas has delivered that message directly to him.
"I spoke (Sunday) with (athletic director) Mike (Perrin). (UT president) Greg (Fenves) and I have spoken after every game," Strong said. "I've been told that we will be evaluated at the end of the season, after the last game against TCU, and a decision will be made."
For now, Strong is focused on the Longhorns' final regular-season game against TCU on Friday and the bowl eligibility that would come with a win. While Strong continues to twist in the wind, his players are reportedly considering a boycott of the TCU game. According to the American-Statesman, a source said veterans on the team are attempting to "settle things down."
"They won't boycott this game. This game is about the seniors," Strong said on Monday. "That's not going to happen."
Strong also made a case for why he should return for a fourth season at Texas, noting the strength of recent recruiting classes and a strong culture within the team. A large gathering of players attended the press conference in a show of support for the embattled coach.
"We have built a foundation, and I look at what's coming back and what's in the program now. ... The program is heading in the right direction," Strong said. "(My job status) is not an issue because of the respect we have for the players and the respect that they have for this coaching staff. That's probably why they showed up in the numbers that they showed up today."
Texas failed to reach a bowl game last year with a 5-7 record, and a loss to TCU would render the Longhorns with the same mark. Strong has a 16-20 record over three years at the school, and the report of his pending dismissal followed an embarrassing loss to Kansas, 24-21 in overtime, which was UT's first loss to the Jayhawks since 1938.
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