University of Texas officials have decided to fire coach Charlie Strong, but the official announcement might not come until Monday, a high-ranking university source told the Austin American-Statesman.
The decision comes after Saturday's shocking 24-21 overtime loss to Kansas, a team that had lost 19 consecutive Big 12 games. "It will happen for sure. The question is when," the source said.
Athletic director Mike Perrin, however, said nothing has been decided on Strong, dismissing reports of his imminent ouster as "rumors." He added the coach would be evaluated after playing TCU on Friday.
Perrin, who has been publicly supportive of Strong all season, didn't say Strong would return.
"There are a number of rumors out there about the status of Coach Strong. I've said it all along, we will evaluate the body of work after the regular season," Perrin said.
Texas President Greg Fenves, who has also been supportive of Strong this season, was silent on the coach's future Sunday.
Strong is 16-20 in three seasons with the Longhorns and may become the first coach to oversee three consecutive losing seasons since 1936-38.
USC beats UCLA
Sam Darnold passed for 267 yards and hit De'Quan Hampton for two touchdowns, leading No. 15 Southern California past visiting UCLA 36-14 late Saturday night in the Los Angeles rivals' 86th crosstown showdown.
