The coaching carousel in college basketball never truly stops spinning, and with Oklahoma sitting at 12-12 this season, the buzz around who might eventually replace Porter Moser is starting to heat up-especially among fans. While Moser remains on the bench, the speculation game is in full swing. And while it's easy to get caught up in big names and nostalgic reunions, not every candidate being floated is the right fit for the Sooners’ future.
Let’s take a closer look at a few names that have been making the rounds-and why Oklahoma would be wise to look elsewhere.
Kelvin Sampson, Houston Head Coach
Kelvin Sampson is the name that keeps popping up in fan circles, and on the surface, it makes sense. He’s a proven winner, he’s familiar with the program, and he’s built a powerhouse at Houston. But here’s the thing: sometimes, going back to a former flame-no matter how good it looks now-isn’t the move.
Sampson’s first stint at Oklahoma had its high points, but it also ended in a way that left scars. And while he’s done an incredible job reviving his career, he’s now 70 years old.
That’s not just a number-it’s a factor when you consider the energy and adaptability required to manage today’s college basketball landscape. Between NIL negotiations, Transfer Portal chaos, and the constant recruiting grind, this isn’t the same job it was even five years ago.
If fans are set on the Sampson name returning to Norman, there’s a more forward-thinking option: his son, Kellen Sampson. He’s been learning the ropes under his father’s guidance for years and has deep ties to Oklahoma from his playing days. That could be a more sustainable, long-term vision-one that builds on the past without being stuck in it.
Fred Hoiberg, Nebraska Head Coach
Fred Hoiberg’s name is buzzing again, and with Nebraska currently ranked No. 7 and sitting at 21-2, it’s easy to see why. He’s turned heads this season, and programs will come calling. But Oklahoma should think twice before joining that line.
Just a year ago, Hoiberg was on the hot seat in Lincoln. Fans were calling for change, and the athletic director had to publicly back him to quiet the noise.
Fast forward to now, and he’s suddenly a hot commodity again. But even with this breakout season, Hoiberg’s overall record at Nebraska is 105-110 in nearly seven seasons.
That’s not just a slow build-it’s a rollercoaster, and one great season doesn’t erase the inconsistency that came before it.
For a program like Oklahoma, which is looking to stabilize and rise in a competitive Big 12 landscape, chasing a coach with that kind of volatility feels risky. It has the makings of another Porter Moser situation-one strong campaign followed by a struggle to maintain momentum.
Brad Underwood, Illinois Head Coach
Brad Underwood is the kind of name that gets fanbases excited. He’s got a strong résumé, he’s coached in the Big 12 before, and he already has a relationship with new OU athletic director Roger Denny from their time together at Illinois. On paper, it checks a lot of boxes.
But dig a little deeper, and the shine starts to fade.
Underwood has had nine seasons at Illinois, a program where basketball is king and resources are plentiful. Despite that, he’s only made it past the second round of the NCAA Tournament once in five appearances. That’s a tough pill to swallow when you consider how often his teams have entered the dance with top-4 seeds.
He’s also not going to come cheap, and that price tag brings expectations. If he couldn’t consistently elevate Illinois with everything at his disposal, how would that translate to Oklahoma, where basketball doesn’t always get top billing? The risk here isn’t just financial-it’s about expectations, and Underwood could find himself on a short leash if things don’t click quickly in Norman.
The Bottom Line
Oklahoma’s next move in men’s basketball needs to be about more than just name recognition or past connections. This is a pivotal moment for the program, especially as the college basketball world continues to evolve at warp speed. The next head coach will need to bring energy, adaptability, and a clear vision for how to compete in a new era.
Big names like Sampson, Hoiberg, and Underwood may dominate the early conversations, but that doesn’t mean they’re the right answers. The Sooners need a builder, not a retread. Someone who can connect with players, navigate the modern landscape, and bring long-term stability to a program that’s searching for its next chapter.
The coaching search may not be official yet, but the evaluation process has already begun. And for Oklahoma, getting this hire right means thinking beyond the obvious.