The Oklahoma Board of Regents made some significant moves Tuesday morning, greenlighting contracts for new football assistant coaches and approving a series of upgrades for Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Let’s dive into what this means for the Sooners and their fans.
LaMar Morgan is stepping in as the defensive backs coach, with a contract running through 2027. For the 2026 season, he’s set to earn $400,000, jumping to $1.05 million by 2027.
There’s also a cool $90,000 bonus waiting if the team clinches a national championship. Morgan's experience at Michigan over the past two years should bring fresh insights to the Sooners’ defense.
On the offensive side, Deland McCullough will take the reins as the running backs coach. He’s secured a contract through 2028, starting at $625,000 for the 2026 season, and climbing to $950,000 by the end of his term.
Like Morgan, McCullough has a $90,000 championship bonus in his deal. Having recently coached NFL running backs with the Las Vegas Raiders, McCullough's NFL experience is bound to be a game-changer for the Sooners’ backfield.
The stadium itself is getting a $5 million facelift. This includes a revamp of the “Red Room,” which serves as the team’s meeting and media hub, complete with new seating, lighting, and AV systems. The players’ lounge will also see improvements with updated furniture and enhanced functionality.
OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. highlighted the importance of these upgrades, noting their role in maintaining first-class facilities. The board also approved a hefty $420 million bond issuance to fund broader athletic projects, part of a comprehensive campus improvement plan.
In a move to bolster financial support across all sports programs, the board revised the athletics donor seating program. This change extends beyond just football and men’s basketball, with revenue from premium seating going toward supporting the athletics department and student-athlete services.
Additionally, the board celebrated some generous private donations, including $2.5 million from the McCasland Foundation and $1 million from Mark and Kim Parry, alongside two anonymous gifts totaling $2.5 million.
These strategic decisions and investments underscore a commitment to elevating the Sooners’ athletic programs, ensuring both players and fans enjoy top-notch facilities and support. As the Sooners gear up for future seasons, these changes signal an exciting era for Oklahoma football.