Steve Lutz Hits 100 Wins, But He’s Already Focused on No. 101
By the time Steve Lutz stepped out of the Gallagher-Iba Arena media room, it was already early Sunday morning. The late tipoff and a wild finish had pushed Oklahoma State’s 84-83 win over Kansas State well past midnight. But while the night marked a significant milestone for Lutz-his 100th career win as a Division I head coach-you wouldn’t have known it by his reaction.
Lutz was quick to downplay the personal achievement, keeping the spotlight on what’s next rather than what just happened.
“I’m not the guy who ever thought I’d be lucky enough to be the head coach at Oklahoma State, coaching in the Big 12,” Lutz said. “I do believe if we get better defensively, we can make a run in the 12 and get to the NCAA Tournament. That’s what I’m thinking about-not 100 wins.”
That mindset has been a hallmark of Lutz’s coaching career. Relentless focus.
Eyes always forward. And as soon as he left the podium, he was already thinking about Tuesday’s matchup with TCU-a place where the Cowboys haven’t had much luck in recent years.
But even if Lutz wasn’t in the mood to celebrate, his players made sure the moment didn’t pass quietly.
Locker Room Chaos
The second Lutz walked into the locker room, the celebration was on. Water bottles turned into makeshift champagne sprays, and the team mobbed their coach in a scene that was equal parts joy and chaos. Lutz tried to fend off 7-footers Parsa Fallah and Andrija Vukovic, but he didn’t stand much of a chance-both towering big men had no trouble dousing him from above.
And then came the hard hat.
A new team tradition this season, the OSU-branded hard hat is awarded to the game’s MVP. But on this night, after hitting the century mark in career wins, the team flipped the script and placed it on Lutz’s head.
It was a rare moment of recognition for a coach who prefers to stay out of the spotlight. And while he might not have been looking to celebrate, the team made it clear they weren’t letting this one slide.
The Road to 100
Lutz’s 100 wins didn’t happen overnight. He’s 31-22 since taking over at Oklahoma State, and the Cowboys are off to a strong 14-4 start in his second season. Before arriving in Stillwater, he posted a combined 69-35 record during his time at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and Western Kentucky.
But as far as Lutz is concerned, it’s not about the total-it’s about the next one.
And that next one could be a big one.
Fort Worth Drought
Oklahoma State hasn’t won at TCU since the 2016-17 season-the lone year under Brad Underwood. It’s been a tough stretch in Fort Worth, and the Cowboys came painfully close to ending that streak last season, losing 73-72 on a buzzer-beating three.
Lutz knows the importance of Tuesday’s game, not just for the streak but for the momentum in a brutal Big 12 schedule.
“I’m more concerned about being 2-3 in the league and not 1-4,” Lutz said. “You watch the scores today, and the league is so darn good-there’s gonna be carnage along the way. I’m happy we’re not putting ourselves in a deep hole.”
He’s not wrong. The Big 12 is a gauntlet this year, and every win matters.
Last season, Oklahoma State started 2-7 in conference play and never quite recovered. Lutz is determined not to let history repeat itself.
Bigger Picture
Saturday night’s win was more than just a number for Lutz-it was a gritty, last-second victory that showed the kind of fight his team is developing. Down 83-81 in the final seconds, freshman guard Vyctorius Miller stepped to the line after being fouled on a desperation three. He calmly sank all three free throws to give the Cowboys the win, while Kansas State’s half-court heave at the buzzer missed the mark.
It was the kind of win that can galvanize a team-especially one still finding its identity in a loaded conference. And even if Lutz won’t admit it, hitting 100 wins in that fashion makes it a night to remember.
But true to form, he’s already moved on.
“I’m gonna go home and hopefully sleep a little bit,” Lutz said. “But I’ll be back in the office before the sun’s up trying to figure out a way to win on Tuesday.”
That’s just how he’s wired. And Oklahoma State wouldn’t have it any other way.