One of the wildest twists in this year’s college football coaching carousel came on Tuesday, as Oklahoma State appointed North Texas head coach Eric Morris to lead its program. This is the first time since 1969 that the Cowboys have hired a sitting head coach.
Morris has been the head coach at North Texas since 2023, and his sudden departure to Oklahoma State has caused a meltdown among the Mean Green fans.
Eric Morris Earns Jabs From Fans Over Abrupt Jump to Oklahoma State
North Texas sits at 10-1 this year, and is in pursuit of the American Conference title and a potential College Football Playoff spot. Morris has the Mean Green ranked No. 21 in the AP Top 25, but his decision to move from a 10-1 contender to take over a 1-10 Oklahoma State team has drawn the ire of fans.
Oklahoma State athletic director Chad Weiberg announced the hire, saying that OSU football’s future looks promising under Morris.
Meanwhile, North Texas fans couldn’t be more frustrated, as Morris chose to leave just as the Mean Green prepare for their biggest game yet. Their Friday game with Temple is now only two days away, and a win would secure the Mean Green a berth in the American title game, with the chance to host it.
Fans shared their frustration after Morris’ sudden departure, as the idea of “commitment” is becoming rare in college football.
“The state of college football is depressing,” a fan wrote.
“A complete and utter disgrace… after so many years, you have a successful program for a possible playoff birth… HOW DO YOU EXPECT PLAYERS TO LOCK IN AFTER THIS CRAP????” one said.
“UNT should have unloaded the house to keep him there. Their mistake on that one. Hate this for you guys, but that’s today’s world of CFB,” a person said.
“You’re probably going to lose QB1 and RB1 in the portal too & WR1 as well. The G5 has basically turned into a farm system like minor leagues in pro sports. Not saying it doesn’t suck, I live 20 minutes from Denton and my wife went to UNT. It’s unfortunate,” a fan added.
“He was probably gone regardless but keeping anyone might be out of the picture now. This being announced by ESPN and On3 heads during the season is such disrespect,” one said.
In three years at North Texas, Morris elevated the program from a 5-7 team in his first year to a 10-win team in his third, and this season, the Mean Green also cracked the AP Top 25 for the first time since 1959.
In recent weeks, much of the college football world has been focused on the Lane Kiffin drama, as many have debated whether he might leave 10-1 Ole Miss for jobs like Florida or LSU.
Many have criticized the idea of abandoning a program at its peak. However, Morris, one of five Group of 5 program coaches to be named a national semifinalist for the George Munger Coach of the Year award, proved that the unexpected is always possible in college football.
At Oklahoma State, Morris will replace Mike Gundy, who was fired in September during his 21st season after starting the year 1-2.
