Sports

Texas coach Strong says it's time for Longhorns seniors to take over team leadership

Associated Press
Published | Updated

In this Aug. 4, 2014, photo, new University of Texas NCAA college football head coach Charlie Strong watches a morning practice session in Austin, Texas. Strong laid down the law with a series of player dismissals and suspensions, then he moved into the dorm with his team for training camp. (AP Photo/Austin American-Statesman, Ricardo Brazziell ) AUSTIN CHRONICLE OUT, COMMUNITY IMPACT OUT, INTERNET AND TV MUST CREDIT PHOTOGRAPHER AND STATESMAN.COM, MAGS OUT (The Associated Press)

In this Aug. 4, 2014, photo, new University of Texas NCAA college football head coach Charlie Strong watches a morning practice session in Austin, Texas. Strong laid down the law with a series of player dismissals and suspensions, then he moved into the dorm with his team for training camp. (AP Photo/Austin American-Statesman, Ricardo Brazziell ) AUSTIN CHRONICLE OUT, COMMUNITY IMPACT OUT, INTERNET AND TV MUST CREDIT PHOTOGRAPHER AND STATESMAN.COM, MAGS OUT (The Associated Press)

New Texas coach Charlie Strong says he's trying to change the culture of the program at Texas and is leaning on his team's seniors to help him do it.

Strong noted Texas' senior class has yet to have a 10-win season, which was the standard for a decade under Mack Brown until a four-year skid that began in 2010.

Texas hasn't won the Big 12 since 2009.

Strong said Friday the coaching staff is doing what it can, but has implored the seniors to step into leadership roles to raise expectations.

Senior linebacker Jordan Hicks said the seniors are motivated by having one last chance to win a Big 12 title before their careers are finished. Texas begins the season Aug. 30 against North Texas.