A new name has emerged in the Oklahoma State Football coaching search - and it’s a bit too familiar
STILLWATER, Okla. —
A new name has emerged in the Oklahoma State Football head coaching search rumor mill and it’s one that Cowboy fans will find to be a little bit too familiar.
Before the new name is revealed here, let’s breakdown the list of who is most likely still in contention to be the next head coach at Oklahoma State.
Though, we’ll start off by detailing who is most definitely OUT at this point:
Former Penn State head coach, James Franklin –
Yes, James Franklin is out, but was he ever really in contention for the Oklahoma State head coaching job? No, I don’t believe so. Franklin was announced as the next head coach for Virginia Tech on Monday, November 17th. Overall? Pretty good get for the Hokies.
Texas State head coach, G.J. Kinne –
This was, at first, my favorite coaching prospect. Kinne is young, has ties to Tulsa, and previously had Texas State on a pretty good run. The 2025 season hasn’t panned out for Texas State and there hasn’t been a ton of movement surrounding Kinne’s name and Oklahoma State. I think it’s safe to say that Kinne won’t be in Stillwater in 2026.
Former LSU head coach, Brian Kelly –
I think this is a no brainer. Kelly was never coming to Stillwater; it doesn’t fit his profile. Not to mention the reports that came out after he was fired from LSU detailing him as a horrible human being. I’m not saying those reports are true, but a guy like Chad Weiberg is not going to risk his reputation or job on someone with bad reviews or a huge ego. Kelly is a red flag in all ways. I’m glad this potential hire never picked up steam. And Brian Kelly isn’t worth the money he’s owed. It’s not close.
Now on to the final Oklahoma State Cowboys head coach prospect list – and in a somewhat specific order of what I expect:
1. University of South Florida head coach – Alex Golesh:
Alex Golesh is most likely the hottest name and potential get for the Oklahoma State Cowboys going forward. Reports are that he crushed his interview with Cowboy Athletic Director Chad Weiberg and crew and he has turned around the South Florida program as of recent. He has the Bulls at a 7-3 record, thoughrecently lost a thriller to Navy, 41-38. That loss puts his team most likely out of the 12th spot in the college football playoffs and making him more available for the job in Stillwater as soon as mid-December. I believe it could come down to Golesh and the next coach on this list.
2. University of North Texas head coach – Eric Morris:
UNT head coach, Eric Morris, in my opinion, is likely the next head coach of the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Despite being number two on my list, Morris leads a great offense, has a top-ten quarterback he can bring with him, and has a former Oklahoma State wide receiver commit that would likely flip back to the Cowboys if he decides to be the next head coach. He brings all the intangibles and can likely bring his DC along with him. There is not much to not like about Eric Morris and if Morris wants to be the next head coach in Stillwater, I believe an Alex Golesh decision is the only thing to stand in his way.
3. Texas A&M Offensive Coordinator – Collin Klein:
Klein is still in the Oklahoma State coaching rumor mill. And for good reason. The Texas A&M Aggies are coming off a comeback win against South Carolina. A game which featured a huge second half adjustment and scoring performance that willed the Aggies against the Gamecocks and allowed Texas A&M to remain undefeated. It’s a game that solidified the Aggies as a true tested team and showed that Klein can make second half adjustments in a game where the original plan was just not working. Oklahoma State could use some of that.
4. Alabama Defensive Coordinator – Kane Wommack:
Wommack is the newest name to the list. The one you’re reading for, right? He is currently the defensive coordinator at Alabama. The team that just lost at home against OU. Oklahoma State fans are sick of coaches that can’t beat OU. Why would the Cowboys hire him? What? Well, Wommack was the South Alabama head coach in the year that South Alabama walked into Stillwater and laid an ass whoop on the Cowboys. Wommack has been a defensive winner where ever he has been. Pistols Firing Pod host, Carson Cunningham, a super reliable Pokes source, has confirmed that Wommack was interviewed and that he impressed. Kane Wommack is the newest name in the Oklahoma State coaching search and cracks my top five for this seemingly unknown dark horse late push that could see its end in as little as 14 days.
5. Atlanta Falcons Offensive Coordinator and former Oklahoma State Quarterback – Zac Robinson:
Listen, I’m a huge Zac Robinson fan. A lot of Oklahoma State fans and critics tabbed him as the next head coach as early as December 2024. He could still be the next guy in Stillwater, though all reports are that the Robinson train has lost all its steam. And I believe that to be true. In a hire that Chad Weiberg has to knock out of the park, Robinson, with no prior college coaching experience, is just too big of a risk for the “higher-ups” to take a chance on. I’m not ruling out Robinson completely, depending on what other offers Oklahoma State’s candidates choose, but the chances Zac is back in Stilly in 2026 are getting slimmer and slimmer as the days pass.
Who do you want in Stillwater in 2026, Cowboy fans? Sound off in the comment and give me your pick!