Patrick Cobbs Is Proof Eric Morris Values People Over Starting From Scratch

When a new head coach takes over a college football program, one of the first moves is often assembling an entirely new coaching staff. Bringing in familiar faces and trusted assistants has become the norm, giving coaches a chance to implement their own philosophy from day one.

Eric Morris could have done exactly that when he became North Texas' head coach in 2023. Instead, he made a decision that revealed just as much about his leadership as it did his football knowledge. Morris chose to keep running backs coach Patrick Cobbs, and that decision has continued paying dividends years later at Oklahoma State.

Rather than viewing every holdover coach as someone to replace, Morris recognized Cobbs' value immediately. Speaking recently, Morris called Cobbs "the best running backs coach I've ever been around," adding that he felt "lucky to have him." That's high praise from a head coach who has worked alongside some respected offensive minds throughout his career.

Those weren't just complimentary words. Morris backed them up with action.

Keeping Cobbs in place helped provide stability at North Texas, and one of the biggest beneficiaries was running back Caleb Hawkins. Cobbs had recruited Hawkins when few other FBS programs believed in him, building a relationship that went far beyond football. When Morris and his staff accepted the Oklahoma State job, Hawkins didn't hesitate to follow.

That loyalty wasn't driven by NIL. It was driven by trust.

Hawkins has openly credited Cobbs for believing in him from the beginning, and that relationship has continued in Stillwater. After emerging as one of the nation's most productive freshman running backs at North Texas, Hawkins now enters the 2026 season as one of Oklahoma State's biggest offensive weapons.

It's another reminder that recruiting doesn't end once a player signs. Relationships remain one of the most valuable currencies in college football.

This also fits a pattern Oklahoma State fans have already seen under Morris. Quarterback Drew Mestemaker followed him because of the relationship they built at North Texas. Hawkins followed Cobbs because of years of trust and development. Time after time, players have shown they're choosing the people leading the program as much as they're choosing the program itself.

In an era where coaching changes often bring complete staff overhauls, Morris showed he wasn't interested in change for the sake of change. He recognized excellence, kept the right coach in place, and allowed that relationship to continue benefiting his team.

Sometimes the smartest move a head coach can make isn't hiring someone new.

It's recognizing the value of the people already in the building.

For Eric Morris, keeping Patrick Cobbs wasn't just a personnel decision. It was another example of the culture he's building—one centered on trust, loyalty and putting the right people around his players. If Oklahoma State's offense reaches its potential this season, that decision to keep Cobbs years ago will have played a bigger role than many fans probably realize.