Oklahoma State continues to build out its defensive staff under new coordinator Skyler Cassity, and the latest additions bring a strong dose of familiarity - not just with the coaching staff, but with the state of Oklahoma itself.
Julian Wilson is officially on board as the Cowboys’ new defensive backs coach, and it’s a homecoming in more ways than one. A native of Oklahoma City and a former Oklahoma Sooner, Wilson has deep roots in the state and a growing résumé that’s caught the attention of programs across the country. He spent this past season at North Texas, where he coached one of the most productive secondaries in the nation.
Under Wilson’s guidance, the Mean Green finished with the No. 10 pass defense in the country, allowing just 163.2 passing yards per game. North Texas also snagged 13 interceptions - tied for 21st nationally - showing a knack for turning solid coverage into game-changing plays.
That kind of production doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of disciplined technique, smart scheming, and a coach who knows how to get the most out of his defensive backs.
Wilson’s connection with Cassity runs deep. The two have worked together for the past four seasons, with stops at Abilene Christian, Sam Houston, and most recently North Texas.
At Sam Houston in 2024, Wilson’s group was again among the best in the country - No. 13 in passing defense with 16 interceptions, the top mark in Conference USA. One of his standouts, Caleb Weaver, earned First Team All-CUSA honors after picking off four passes.
Even before that, Wilson was making waves at Abilene Christian. In 2023, he coached Patrick Jolly to a breakout season that earned him Dave Campbell Texas Football’s Non-FBS Defensive Back of the Year. Jolly led the conference in passes defended and was graded as the No. 9 corner in the country by Pro Football Focus.
Wilson brings not just coaching chops, but playing experience at the Power Five level. He played his high school ball at Southmoore in Moore, Oklahoma, before heading to Norman for four seasons with the Sooners.
After going undrafted in 2015, he signed with the Baltimore Ravens, briefly continuing his football journey at the professional level. And the Oklahoma State connection runs in the family - his father, Darrell McCowan, lettered for the Cowboys in 1991 and 1992.
Joining Wilson on the revamped defensive staff is Reggie Johnson, who will take over as linebackers coach. Like Wilson, Johnson spent last season at North Texas and also worked with Cassity at Sam Houston in 2024. Johnson brings nearly three decades of coaching experience, including stops at Arkansas, Louisville, and Purdue, among others.
A Louisville graduate, Johnson has served in multiple coordinator roles throughout his career. He was the defensive coordinator at Alabama A&M and UAB, and in 2023, he shared co-defensive coordinator duties at Missouri State. His experience adds a veteran presence to a staff that’s blending youthful energy with seasoned leadership.
Cassity, who was officially named Oklahoma State’s defensive coordinator last week, is clearly surrounding himself with coaches he trusts - and who have proven they can deliver results. The Cowboys also recently added North Texas general manager Raj Murti and chief of staff Rolando Surita to the football staff, further solidifying the North Texas-to-Stillwater pipeline.
With these hires, Oklahoma State is building a defensive identity rooted in continuity, familiarity, and production. Wilson and Johnson bring proven track records and an understanding of what it takes to compete at a high level. For a Cowboys program looking to reload and make noise in the Big 12, these are the kind of moves that set the tone early.