Porter Moser is a good coach, but Norman clearly isn't the right fit for the Chicago native
In the competitive landscape of college basketball, stagnation can be a program's worst enemy. For the Oklahoma Sooners men's basketball team, the Porter Moser era—now in its fifth season—has delivered moments of promise but ultimately failed to propel the program forward in a meaningful way.
As the Sooners sit at 11-7 overall and a dismal 1-4 in their second-ever Southeastern Conference slate as of mid-January 2026, it's becoming increasingly clear that a change at the helm is necessary.
The team isn't markedly better than when Moser took over in 2021, and with fan apathy reaching new lows, resources drying up, and a stark contrast to the women's program's resurgence, the time has come for Oklahoma to seek fresh leadership.
When Moser arrived from Loyola Chicago, where he orchestrated a memorable Final Four run in 2018, expectations were high for revitalizing a program that had enjoyed success under predecessors like Lon Kruger.
Yet, the results have been underwhelming. In his first three seasons, the Sooners posted records of 19-16, 15-17, and 20-12, missing the NCAA Tournament twice. The 2024-25 campaign offered a glimmer of hope with a 20-14 mark and a No. 9 seed in the Big Dance, but it was hardly a breakthrough.
Fast-forward to 2025-26, and Oklahoma has regressed again, starting SEC play with four straight losses, including a 96-79 blowout at home to No. 19 Florida on January 13 and an 83-81 heartbreaker to No. 18 Alabama on January 17.
The offense ranks respectably at 84.1 points per game (59th nationally), but the defense is porous, allowing 74.2 points (202nd).
There's no upward trajectory; if anything, the program feels stuck in neutral, especially in a tougher SEC environment.Fan disengagement is perhaps the most glaring issue.
Attendance at Lloyd Noble Center has plummeted, with crowds often hovering below 6,000 in a venue that seats over 11,000.
The January 13 loss to Florida played out in a "half-empty" arena, despite facing the defending national champions.
Moser's scheduling choices haven't helped: a lackluster non-conference slate featuring buy games against mid-majors like Saint Francis (PA) and Kansas City failed to generate buzz. Even promotional efforts, such as discounted beer nights, haven't filled seats. Earlier games saw attendances as low as 4,410 against Kansas City and 5,765 versus Oral Roberts.
This apathy extends beyond the stands—donors and boosters aren't energized enough to invest heavily in upgrades or NIL deals, perpetuating a cycle of mediocrity.
Critics often point to Lloyd Noble Center as a hindrance, labeling it a "dump" due to its outdated facilities. But that's no excuse.
Baylor won the 2021 national championship in the similarly maligned Ferrell Center, proving that arena quality doesn't dictate success when coaching and culture align. Oklahoma's resources may not match blue-bloods like Kentucky or Duke, but without excitement on the court, there's little incentive for the fanbase or alumni to pour in the funds needed for modernization or recruiting wars.
Oklahoma basketball boasts a proud history as one of the best programs never to win a national title, with icons like Wayman Tisdale and multiple Final Four appearances. It's also a football school, but that hasn't stopped hoops from thriving in the past.
Under Kruger, the Sooners made consistent NCAA Tournaments, including a Final Four in 2016. Moser took four seasons to return to March Madness, a delay that feels inexcusable for a program with such pedigree.
The 2024-25 squad featured future NBA top-10 pick Jeremiah Fears, a dynamic freshman who averaged 17.1 points, 4.1 assists, and 4.1 rebounds while earning SEC All-Freshman honors and a spot on the Wooden Award Midseason Watch List.
Fears helped secure that tournament berth, yet Moser couldn't leverage his star power to build momentum or sell the program to fans and recruits. Contrast that with past eras featuring NBA talents like Blake Griffin, Buddy Hield, Trae Young, and Austin Reaves, where the energy translated to packed houses and sustained relevance.
The timing aligns with broader changes at Oklahoma.
Longtime athletic director Joe Castiglione, a stabilizing force since 1998, announced in July 2025 that he will retire from his full-time role by June 2028, transitioning to an emeritus position.
Castiglione, who oversaw 26 national titles across sports during his tenure, may not want to tackle another coaching search before stepping back, but the men's basketball program's trajectory leaves him little choice.
A new hire could inject vitality and align with the university's SEC ambitions. Look no further than the women's side for inspiration.
Jennie Baranczyk arrived in Norman the same year as Moser, inheriting a program in far worse shape after Sherri Coale's retirement. In five seasons, she's delivered four straight NCAA Tournaments, a 2025 Sweet 16, two conference titles, and consistent 20-win campaigns.
Her teams play with flair, draw crowds, and have restored national prominence. Baranczyk's success proves that turnaround is possible at Oklahoma, even as a football-first institution—she's putting butts in seats while Moser's squads play to echoes.
Moser is undeniably a good coach. His Chicago roots, playing days at Creighton, and Loyola success all stem from basketball-centric environments. Norman, however, demands a leader who can navigate the shadows of football dominance and ignite a broader fanbase.
Moser's best days might lie elsewhere, at a hoops-only school where his energy fits seamlessly. Fortunately, his respected reputation could allow for a graceful exit—perhaps mutual parting or a move to another job, avoiding a messy firing and the $7.65 million buyout tied to his contract.
Oklahoma deserves a program that matches its historical stature and current SEC aspirations.
Moser's tenure has stabilized things post-Kruger, but stability isn't enough—progress is.
With fan interest waning, performance plateauing, and a successful women's counterpart highlighting what's possible, it's time to turn the page.
A new voice could rekindle the fire, attract top talent, and fill Lloyd Noble once more.
The Sooners' future depends on it.