Eric Morris Begins Building His Oklahoma State Football Staff with Familiar Faces and Defensive Upgrades
Eric Morris hasn’t had much time to ease into his new role as Oklahoma State’s head football coach. In fact, you could argue he’s been sprinting since day one.
Between wrapping up the season at North Texas - including a conference title game appearance - and diving headfirst into recruiting, staffing, and media duties in Stillwater, Morris has had his hands full. And yet, amid all the chaos, he’s already laying the foundation for what he hopes will be a high-performing, relationship-driven program.
So far, Morris has leaned on familiarity, pulling heavily from his North Texas staff as he begins shaping the Cowboys’ next chapter. The Mean Green still have one more game left - the New Mexico Bowl on Dec. 27 - but Morris is already turning the page and bringing a defensive identity with him.
Let’s take a closer look at the key hires he’s made so far on the defensive side of the ball.
Defensive Coordinator: Skyler Cassity
Cassity is the first major piece of Morris’ staff at Oklahoma State, and it’s a move that speaks volumes. The two worked together this past season at North Texas, where Cassity helped engineer one of the more impressive defensive turnarounds in the Group of Five.
In 2024, North Texas gave up over 34 points and 460 yards per game. Under Cassity in 2025, those numbers dropped to 24.9 points and 370.4 yards per game - a significant improvement that helped the Mean Green climb to fourth in total defense in the American Athletic Conference and 64th nationally. For comparison, Oklahoma State finished 114th in total defense this season.
Cassity’s unit also earned a 90.4 grade from Pro Football Focus - eighth-best among Group of Five teams and 29th overall in FBS. That’s not just improvement; that’s transformation.
Cassity brings a strong résumé that includes stops at Auburn, Texas State, Texas Tech, Missouri State, Abilene Christian, and Sam Houston. His track record suggests he's not just a rising name - he’s a coach who knows how to get results quickly. For a Cowboys defense that struggled in 2025, Cassity’s arrival could mark a turning point.
Linebackers Coach: Reggie Johnson
With nearly three decades of coaching experience, Johnson adds a veteran presence to the defensive staff. He coached inside linebackers at North Texas this season and worked under Cassity at Sam Houston the year before, giving him familiarity with the system and the expectations.
Johnson’s career includes coordinating defenses at Alabama A&M and UAB, plus a stint as co-defensive coordinator at Missouri State. He’s coached every level of the front seven and brings a deep understanding of linebacker play - something Oklahoma State has lacked consistency in recently.
From Louisville to Arkansas to Purdue, Johnson has seen just about every corner of college football. His experience developing linebackers and leading defensive units makes him a valuable asset as the Cowboys look to toughen up in the middle of the field.
Defensive Backs Coach: Jordan Malone
Malone is another coach following Morris and Cassity from North Texas, where he coached nickels and outside linebackers this season. He’s spent nearly 20 years coaching defensive backs at a range of programs, and his versatility across the secondary could be a major advantage for Oklahoma State.
Malone’s journey includes stops at Washington State, Minnesota State, and multiple roles at Augustana University, where he served as both defensive coordinator and special teams coordinator. His background in both technique and scheme makes him a strong fit for a Cowboys secondary that needs both discipline and playmaking.
He’s coached everywhere from Division II to the Power Five, and that kind of adaptability is often what separates good coaches from great ones. Expect Malone to have a big role in developing hybrid defenders - especially in today’s game where versatility is everything.
Cornerbacks Coach: Julian Wilson
For Wilson, this isn’t just a new job - it’s a homecoming. The Oklahoma City native and former Oklahoma Sooner returns to his home state with momentum. He coached defensive backs at North Texas this season, where the Mean Green finished with the No. 10 pass defense in the country, allowing just 163.2 yards per game.
Wilson’s group also pulled down 13 interceptions, tied for 21st in FBS. That kind of production is hard to ignore, especially when you consider Oklahoma State’s recent struggles in the secondary. Wilson has worked with Cassity at multiple stops, including Abilene Christian and Sam Houston, so there’s already a strong rapport in place.
And there’s a family connection here too - Wilson’s father, Darrell McCowan, played at Oklahoma State in the early '90s. That legacy, combined with Wilson’s recent success, makes this hire feel like more than just a plug-and-play move. It’s a full-circle moment with upside.
General Manager: Raj Murti
While not an on-field coaching role, the addition of Raj Murti as general manager signals Morris’ commitment to building a modern football operation. The GM role has become increasingly important in college football, especially with the rise of the transfer portal and NIL. Murti will be tasked with overseeing roster management, player personnel, and helping align recruiting efforts with the coaching staff’s vision.
What It All Means
Morris is moving fast - and deliberately. By leaning on coaches he knows and trusts, he’s prioritizing continuity, cohesion, and culture. Most of these hires share a common thread: they’ve worked with Morris or Cassity before, and they’ve produced results at their previous stops.
This isn’t just about bringing in names. It’s about building a staff that can develop talent, connect with players, and elevate a program that’s looking to bounce back after a tough season.
The early focus has clearly been on the defensive side of the ball - and for good reason. Oklahoma State’s defense ranked near the bottom of FBS in 2025, and if the Cowboys are going to compete in the new-look Big 12, they’ll need to be much better on that side of the ball.
Morris and his staff still have work to do, especially on the offensive side and in rounding out the rest of the coaching team. But if these first hires are any indication, the Cowboys are building with purpose - and they’re not wasting any time.