Culture Shock: All in or Out

Since the day Charlie Strong was named the Head Coach at The University of Texas, the phrase “changing the culture” has been thrown around a lot. Considering opponents openly mocked the toughness of former Longhorn teams, most agreed it was time for a change. Charlie Strong and his coaching staff are making sure no one confuses their methodologies from the warmer, friendlier Mack Brown regime.

Strong’s short tenure hasn’t been marked by gradual, slow changes. Instead, the Horns’ new Head Coach arrived on the 40 Acres and is delivering an all-out culture shock to the Longhorn program. He immediately went to work reeling the players back in and removing many items of comfort from their lives: no more smoothies in the weight room; no more living off campus; increased attention to academics and personal conduct; and no more free rides…even to the practice fields.

Last week reports surfaced that Strong wasn’t pleased with the level of intensity being shown early in a practice. Rather than encouraging players to give better effort, Strong kicked the entire team off the field.

All of these changes have been more drastic than gradual, but maybe none more so than the case of Joe Bergeron. Last week it was reported that Bergeron missed practices for most of the week due to personal issues. Later, it was reported that he would miss the rest of spring practices to focus on academics.

So far this spring, reviews about Bergeron’s play have been excellent. With that in mind, removing a Senior at a position already thinned by Jonathon Gray’s injury sends a very important message from Coach Strong. That message is that no one is above the law. Most of what happened before this could be considered a warning shot, but exiling Bergeron from spring practice is a direct shot at the team. The message: Be all in or you’ll be out.

Bergeron has set the tone physically since the day he stepped on campus and whose on-field performance speaks very well of his preparation. That said, there are other things besides talent that will dictate playing time for any player – especially with Texas’ new coaching staff.

Many believe Joe Bergeron has the talent to play on Sundays. The new coaching staff and the strength and conditioning program will provide an excellent opportunity for Bergeron to fine tune himself for a chance to do so. The choice is Bergeron’s. Will he do the work necessary and stay in the weight room until he’s given a chance to return this summer? Or will Bergeron be a victim of culture shock?