Oklahoma State Adds Veteran Special Teams Coach Drew Svoboda to Nearly Complete Staff
STILLWATER - Oklahoma State football is putting the final pieces in place for its 2026 coaching staff, and Monday’s announcement brings a key addition: Drew Svoboda is joining the Cowboys, filling a vital role on special teams.
This move gives OSU head coach Mike Gundy a seasoned voice in a phase of the game that often flies under the radar but can swing momentum in an instant. Svoboda brings with him a deep résumé and a reputation for developing consistent, disciplined units - and that’s exactly what Oklahoma State is looking for as it reloads after another strong season.
Who is Drew Svoboda?
Svoboda is no stranger to major college football. He’s coached at Alabama and SMU, and most recently served on the staff at North Texas.
His time with Nick Saban in Tuscaloosa stands out - not just because of the prestige, but because of the attention to detail and high expectations that come with that job. At Alabama, Svoboda worked with tight ends and coordinated special teams, helping mold units that were both technically sound and explosive.
His background also includes time at Rice, where he coached running backs and tight ends, and he has deep ties to Texas high school football, having led Klein Collins High School to multiple playoff appearances. That kind of experience - blending the college and high school levels - gives him a unique ability to connect with players and recruit effectively in talent-rich areas.
Why This Hire Matters for OSU
Special teams don’t always get the headlines, but they win games. Field position, hidden yardage, momentum-changing plays - it all starts with sound execution and coaching. For Oklahoma State, bringing in a coach with Svoboda’s pedigree signals a commitment to tightening up every detail.
The Cowboys have had their share of special teams highlights in recent years, but they’ve also had moments where inconsistency crept in. Whether it’s coverage breakdowns or missed field goals, those are the kinds of issues that can derail a Big 12 title run. Svoboda’s job will be to clean that up and raise the standard.
And with the Big 12 continuing to evolve - new teams, new schemes, and a more wide-open race than ever - every edge matters. A disciplined, aggressive special teams unit can be the difference between 8-4 and 10-2.
What’s Left for Gundy’s Staff?
With Svoboda’s addition, Oklahoma State’s coaching staff is nearly set heading into the offseason. Gundy has been deliberate in his approach, balancing continuity with fresh voices. The Cowboys are coming off a season that showed flashes of elite potential, and the staff moves this winter reflect a desire to build on that momentum.
Svoboda’s hire also fits a broader trend: Gundy is leaning into experience. Whether it’s coordinators or position coaches, he’s bringing in coaches who’ve been through the wars - guys who know how to prepare a team, develop talent, and make in-game adjustments. That’s not by accident.
The Bottom Line
Drew Svoboda may not be a household name to every OSU fan just yet, but his impact could be felt quickly. Special teams are often the difference in tight conference games, and with his track record, Svoboda gives Oklahoma State a steady hand in that department.
With the staff nearly finalized, the Cowboys are turning their attention to offseason workouts, player development, and - of course - the always-active transfer portal. But Monday’s news is a reminder that Gundy and his staff are still focused on the details. And if Svoboda helps OSU flip a few field-position battles or steal a touchdown or two, this hire will look even better come fall Saturdays.