Oklahoma State Adds Reggie Johnson, Julian Wilson to Defensive Staff
STILLWATER - Oklahoma State head coach Eric Morris is wasting no time shaping his first staff in Stillwater, announcing the addition of two familiar faces to his defensive unit. Reggie Johnson will take over as the Cowboys’ linebackers coach, while Julian Wilson steps in to lead the cornerbacks. Both coaches worked under Morris at North Texas in 2025 and bring a strong history of collaboration with OSU defensive coordinator Skyler Cassity.
This isn’t just a reunion - it’s a calculated move to bring continuity, chemistry, and experience to a defense looking to establish its identity under a new regime.
Reggie Johnson: A Veteran Voice for the Linebackers
When it comes to coaching linebackers, few resumes are as deep as Reggie Johnson’s. A 1996 Louisville graduate, Johnson brings nearly three decades of coaching experience, including 21 seasons focused on linebackers. His career has taken him through some of the game’s biggest stages - the 2005 Gator Bowl, 2006 Orange Bowl, 2010 Sugar Bowl, and 2011 Cotton Bowl - and his track record of success speaks volumes.
Johnson’s coaching journey has been defined by both versatility and leadership. He’s served as a defensive coordinator at Alabama A&M and UAB, and most recently held the co-defensive coordinator title at Missouri State in 2023. His experience extends beyond linebackers, with stints coaching defensive lines and special teams, giving him a well-rounded defensive perspective that should benefit OSU’s staff room.
The connection with Cassity is also a key piece of the puzzle. The two worked together at Missouri State from 2020-21, then reunited at Sam Houston in 2024 and again at North Texas in 2025. That shared history means Johnson steps into Stillwater with a strong understanding of the defensive system and the expectations that come with it.
Julian Wilson: A Rising DB Coach with Deep Oklahoma Roots
Julian Wilson’s coaching career is still in its early chapters, but he’s already made a strong impression in defensive back rooms across the country. A former Oklahoma standout and Oklahoma City native, Wilson brings six years of college coaching experience, all of it focused on defensive backs. He now returns to his home state to coach corners at OSU.
Wilson’s path to coaching includes time as a graduate assistant at Texas Tech (2020-21), followed by full-time roles at Abilene Christian, Sam Houston, and most recently North Texas. Like Johnson, he worked closely with Cassity at multiple stops, including Abilene Christian (2022-23) and Sam Houston (2024), before rejoining him in Denton in 2025.
Before stepping into coaching, Wilson spent time in the NFL with the Ravens, Chiefs, and Vikings, and also had a stint in the CFL with the Calgary Stampeders. That playing experience - combined with his coaching pedigree - gives him a unique ability to connect with players and translate technique into game-ready performance.
There’s also a family tie to OSU: Wilson’s father, Darrell McCowan, lettered for the Cowboys in 1991-92. That legacy adds an extra layer of meaning to Wilson’s arrival in Stillwater.
Familiar Faces, Fresh Start
Both Johnson and Wilson bring not just experience, but alignment. Their previous work with Morris and Cassity means there’s already a shared language, a common philosophy, and a clear vision for what this defense can become. For a program in transition, that kind of cohesion is invaluable.
And while the hires are pending the completion of standard background checks, the direction is clear: Morris is building a staff rooted in trust, experience, and proven relationships - the kind that can hit the ground running in Year 1.
With these additions, Oklahoma State’s defensive staff is beginning to take shape - and it's one that blends veteran leadership with rising coaching talent, all under a unified system. That’s a promising formula for a team looking to make noise in a new era.