ESPN pinpoints Oklahoma's coaching vacancy as a top destination, while also naming Porter Moser as one of the best coaching candidates in this cycle for other job openings
As the 2025-26 season draws to a close, ESPN insider Jeff Borzello has spotlighted the Sooners' coaching position as one of the top job openings to watch in the upcoming carousel. This comes amid mounting speculation about head coach Porter Moser's tenure, which has been a rollercoaster of promise and disappointment since his arrival in 2021.
Borzello's analysis not only highlights the potential vacancy in Norman but also positions Moser himself as a prime candidate for other high-profile gigs, raising intriguing questions about how OU might navigate a potential transition without the financial sting of a outright firing.
Borzello's commentary, featured in a recent ESPN piece on coaching hot seats and candidates, paints a vivid picture of the challenges facing the Sooners. "Porter Moser led the Sooners on a late-season surge last season that staved off hot seat pressure, but the program entered this week with losses in 11 of its past 13 games," Borzello noted. "
"A roster built via the transfer portal last offseason hasn't clicked, and OU is now going to miss the NCAA tournament for a fourth time in five seasons. New athletic director Roger Denny, who was hired in late January, will face a critical decision within weeks of his arrival. Moser has more than $5 million left on his deal."
This assessment underscores the precarious position OU finds itself in. After a surprising Final Four run with Loyola Chicago in 2018, Moser was hailed as a program-builder capable of elevating the Sooners back to Big 12 contention and consistent March Madness appearances. Yet, the results have been uneven: a 19-16 record in his first year, followed by sporadic successes but no deep postseason runs.
The recent skid has amplified calls for change, especially as the team is wrapping up their second season in the SEC, where competition will only intensify.
What makes Borzello's take particularly fascinating is his dual framing of Moser—not just as a coach on the hot seat, but as a desirable commodity elsewhere. "It's true, we had Moser on the hot seat earlier, but he also has a big enough name and résumé to land on his feet at a reasonably strong job—whether it's by leaving on his own or being let go," Borzello explained. "He has a Final Four and Sweet 16 on his ledger from his time at Loyola Chicago."
This perspective shifts the narrative from a simple dismissal to a more nuanced separation. Moser's track record at Loyola, where he transformed a mid-major into a national darling, includes that unforgettable 2018 Cinderella story and a Sweet 16 berth in 2021. These achievements, combined with his recruiting prowess and ability to foster team chemistry, make him an attractive option for schools seeking experienced leadership without the risks of an unproven hire.
This brings us to a strategic possibility for Oklahoma: rather than firing Moser and absorbing his substantial buyout—estimated at over $5 million—the university could facilitate a mutual parting, allowing him to depart for another opportunity without financial penalties.
This approach mirrors the savvy move Texas executed in 2021 with Shaka Smart. After six underwhelming seasons in Austin, where Smart compiled a 109-86 record but did not earn a single NCAA Tournament win, the Longhorns allowed him to leave for Marquette without invoking his buyout clause.
Smart, a Milwaukee native with ties to the program, jumped at the chance, and Texas avoided a messy termination while freeing up resources to pursue Chris Beard (and later, Rodney Terry). The arrangement was a win-win: Smart revitalized his career, leading Marquette to four-straight NCAA appearances, while Texas reset under new leadership.
For OU, a similar scenario could preserve fiscal responsibility amid athletic department transitions. New AD Roger Denny, fresh from his January hire, inherits a program at a pivotal juncture. With the SEC transition complete, the Sooners need stability and a coach who can navigate the conference's gauntlet of powerhouses like Kentucky, Alabama, and Arkansas.
Letting Moser explore options—perhaps at a Big East or Atlantic 10 school where his mid-major magic could shine again—would sidestep the buyout hit, especially crucial for a program investing in football under Brent Venables.
Moser's appeal as a candidate, as per Borzello, suggests suitors won't be scarce. Schools like Providence, Butler, or even mid-majors with upward trajectories could view him as a proven rebuilder.
Of course, this isn't without risks. If Moser stays and turns things around, OU could regret any haste. His late-2024 surge, which included wins over ranked opponents and a brief flirtation with the AP Top 25, showed glimpses of potential. The transfer portal-heavy roster this year, featuring additions like Miami transfer Nijel Pack and international talent, was meant to inject athleticism but has struggled with cohesion amid injuries and chemistry issues.
Missing the NCAA Tournament four out of five years is a tough sell for a program with Oklahoma's resources and history—recall the Lon Kruger era, which delivered consistent 20-win seasons and Elite Eight runs.
Borzello's insights reflect broader trends in college hoops: the coaching carousel spins faster than ever, driven by NIL deals, portal mobility, and impatient fanbases. For Oklahoma, the decision on Moser could define Denny's early legacy.
Will they opt for a clean break, a forced exit, or the elegant exit ramp ala Shaka Smart? As March approaches, all eyes are on Norman, where the next chapter of Sooner basketball hangs in the balance.
Whatever the outcome, Moser's résumé ensures he'll land softly, potentially leaving OU to chase a new voice to lead them into the future with plenty of quality candidates available for the next chapter.