On November 25, 2025, Oklahoma State University stunned the college football world by naming Eric Morris, 39, as its next head football coach — officially closing the 19-year chapter of Mike Gundy. The announcement, made at 12:00 PM Central Time, came after a turbulent interim period under Doug Meechum, whose brief tenure saw the Oklahoma State Cowboys struggle to maintain momentum. The decision wasn’t just a personnel move; it was a strategic pivot toward offense, youth, and regional ties — and it landed like a bomb in Stillwater’s quiet campus streets.
The Gundy Era Ends, Quietly
Mike Gundy didn’t walk out with a parade. He didn’t even hold a press conference. After guiding the Cowboys to 13 winning seasons, two Big 12 championships, and over 170 wins since 2005, he quietly stepped away in the immediate aftermath of the 2025 regular season. No retirement speech. No farewell tour. Just a terse statement citing "personal and professional reasons." The vacuum left behind was immediate. Doug Meechum, the longtime offensive line coach, was thrust into the spotlight. But as YouTube analyst Scott Fisher noted in his November 26 breakdown, "Doug Meechum had served as the interim head coach and things have not gotten any better." The offense sputtered. The defense looked lost. Fans started posting memes of Gundy’s signature cowboy hat next to a "Wanted" poster.Why Eric Morris? The Texas Connection
Morris didn’t come from a blue-blood program. He came from Denton, Texas — home of the University of North Texas Mean Green. There, he built something remarkable: a 21-15 record over three seasons, capped by a 10-1 start in 2025 that propelled the Mean Green into national relevance. Before that, he turned the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio into a top-15 FCS powerhouse starting in 2018. And before that? He was the offensive coordinator at Washington State University in 2022, where he helped elevate quarterback play to new heights. What made Morris irresistible to Oklahoma State wasn’t just his resume — it was his roots. "This one makes a lot of sense," Fisher said, "because Oklahoma is right near Texas where he has all of his ties." Morris recruited heavily in Texas for years. His network includes high school coaches, recruits, and even former players now working as assistants across the Lone Star State. For a program that’s spent years chasing Texas talent only to lose them to bigger names, hiring a coach who already has those doors wide open? That’s not just smart — it’s a game-changer.The Offensive Genius Narrative
Call him what you want — "offense/QB genius," as Fisher dubbed him — but Morris’s reputation is built on one thing: making quarterbacks look like stars. At Washington State, he helped Gardner Minshew evolve from a walk-on to a Heisman contender. At North Texas, he turned a three-star recruit into a 3,000-yard passer in 2024. His system is fast, aggressive, and built on timing routes and pre-snap motion — the kind of scheme that can turn a 6-6 team into a 10-win team overnight. Oklahoma State hasn’t had a truly dynamic offense since the days of Mason Rudolph. The past three seasons under Gundy’s final staff saw the Cowboys rank outside the top 50 nationally in passing efficiency. Morris doesn’t just fix that — he reimagines it. And with Boone Pickens Stadium’s 60,218 seats ready to roar, the potential is electric.Who Else Was in the Running?
The coaching carousel was in full swing. Arkansas and UCLA were both actively pursuing Morris. The Razorbacks, fresh off a disappointing season, saw him as their ideal replacement. UCLA, looking to rebuild after Jim Mora’s departure, considered him a long-term solution. But Oklahoma State moved fast — and smart. They didn’t wait for a formal interview. They didn’t drag it out. They made the offer, and Morris accepted within 48 hours. The timing was perfect. With the transfer portal opening in early December and recruiting season heating up, having a coach in place — not just a name, but a proven recruiter and developer — gives the Cowboys a massive edge. Other schools are still scrambling. Oklahoma State already has a plan.
What This Means for Stillwater
This isn’t just about wins and losses. It’s about identity. For years, Oklahoma State was seen as a program that could compete — but never truly contend. Gundy kept them relevant. Morris might make them dangerous. The fanbase is cautiously optimistic. Social media buzzed with hashtags like #MorrisMagic and #BackToBling. Alumni are already talking about ticket renewals. And for the first time in a decade, recruits are calling back. The real test? The 2026 season opener against TCU in Fort Worth. If Morris can win that one — especially with a quarterback he’s recruited and developed — the narrative shifts from "interesting hire" to "genius move."What’s Next?
Morris will be formally introduced at a press conference on December 2, 2025. His staff is expected to be announced by mid-December, with heavy emphasis on bringing in assistants from North Texas and Texas schools. The transfer portal opens December 1 — and Oklahoma State is already targeting at least three offensive players from Power Five programs who fit Morris’s system. Meanwhile, North Texas begins its own search. Denton will need a coach who can keep the Mean Green’s momentum alive — a tall order after losing their architect.Background: The Cowboys’ Coaching Legacy
Oklahoma State’s football program dates back to 1914. But it wasn’t until Gundy took over in 2005 that they became a consistent national presence. Before him? The program had seven different head coaches between 1995 and 2004. The instability was real. Gundy brought stability — and a winning culture. Now, Morris inherits a program with talent, history, and a hungry fanbase. But he also inherits pressure. The Big 12 is tougher than ever. Texas, Oklahoma, and LSU are all reloading. There’s no room for rebuilding. Morris doesn’t have time to rebuild. He has to win — fast.Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Oklahoma State choose Eric Morris over more experienced candidates?
Oklahoma State prioritized offensive innovation and recruiting ties over pedigree. Morris has a proven track record of elevating quarterbacks and recruiting heavily in Texas — a talent-rich region the Cowboys have struggled to penetrate. His 10-1 start in 2025 with North Texas proved he can win immediately, making him a lower-risk, high-reward choice compared to older, less adaptable coaches.
How does Morris’s offensive system differ from Mike Gundy’s?
Gundy ran a pro-style, run-heavy offense with strong play-action and tight end usage. Morris favors a fast-paced, spread attack with heavy use of pre-snap motion, RPOs, and quick-passing concepts. His system is designed to maximize quarterback decision-making and exploit defensive gaps — a stark contrast to Gundy’s more conservative, ball-control approach.
What impact will Morris have on recruiting in Texas?
Morris has existing relationships with over 30 high school coaches across Texas, particularly in the Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio areas. He’s already recruited 12 players from Texas to North Texas since 2023. Expect Oklahoma State to land at least 5-7 top-150 Texas recruits in the 2026 class — a dramatic increase from their recent average of 1-2 per cycle.
Is Eric Morris too young to lead a Power Five program?
At 39, Morris is younger than most Power Five head coaches, but his experience is deep. He’s been a head coach for seven seasons across FCS and FBS, with a 21-15 record and a 10-1 season under his belt. Coaches like Brian Kelly and Lincoln Riley also rose quickly. In today’s college football, age matters less than results — and Morris has delivered.
What’s the biggest risk in hiring Morris?
The biggest risk is whether his system can translate to the Big 12’s physicality. North Texas played in the American Athletic Conference, which is faster but less physically dominant than the Big 12. If Oklahoma State’s offensive line can’t hold up against Texas or Oklahoma’s defensive fronts, Morris’s offense could stall. His ability to recruit bigger, stronger linemen will be critical.
