Eric Morris heads to Oklahoma State after leading North Texas to 10-1 record

Eric Morris has accepted the position of head coach at Oklahoma State, marking a major move as he leaves North Texas after leading the Mean Green to a school-best 10-1 record this season. Morris will finish the season with North Texas before heading to Stillwater. The 40-year-old coach replaces longtime Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy, establishing himself as the newest leader of the Cowboys program.

From Texas Tech’s Air Raid to North Texas Success

Morris built his reputation as a quarterback development specialist at Texas Tech, where he served as offensive coordinator while the Red Raiders featured explosive offensive schemes. He recruited Patrick Mahomes to Lubbock and coached him before Mahomes became an NFL superstar with the Kansas City Chiefs. Morris played wide receiver at Texas Tech and returned to his alma mater to build his coaching resume.

His coaching trajectory also included stops at Washington State and Incarnate Word, where he earned Southland Conference Coach of the Year honors twice. The expertise in quarterback development made him attractive to major programs seeking offensive innovation.

Building the Mean Green into an Offensive Powerhouse

North Texas has become a revelation under Morris in 2025. The Mean Green offense ranks No. 1 nationally in both scoring and total yards. Redshirt freshman quarterback Drew Mestemaker leads an explosive attack featuring young talent across all positions. Mestemaker posted a 600-yard passing performance on October 24, 2025.

Morris took over the program before the 2023 season and steadily improved it. The Mean Green went 5-7 in his debut year, 6-7 in 2024, and now 10-1 in 2025, showing clear upward trajectory year over year.

North Texas 2025 Season Performance Overview

The Perfect Storm: Timing and Tournament Aspirations

Morris accepted the Oklahoma State position while North Texas remains in contention for both the American Conference championship and a potential College Football Playoff spot. He committed to coaching the Mean Green through their remaining games, including the conference title game and any playoff appearances.

The timing presented a complex situation. North Texas had recently extended Morris with a new contract that included a $950,000 base salary through the 2029 season. University officials attempted to retain him with an upgraded deal featuring a $3 million base salary, but Oklahoma State’s opportunity proved irresistible for the ambitious coach.

Will Eric Morris bring championship success to Oklahoma State?

Morris replaces Mike Gundy, who served as Oklahoma State’s long-time head coach. The Cowboys seek to return to championship contention with fresh leadership. Morris brings documented success developing quarterbacks, building offensive systems, and improving program trajectory year over year—exactly what Oklahoma State requires for its football renaissance in Stillwater.

Sources

• ESPN – North Texas coach Eric Morris expected to become Oklahoma State’s next head coach
• CBS Sports – Oklahoma State targeting Eric Morris as next coach
• Sports Illustrated – Oklahoma State to hire North Texas’s Eric Morris as new head coach

Michael Brown

Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.