The coaching carousel is spinning, and one of the key jobs every candidate should consider is the one at Oklahoma State. According to Adam Rittenberg of ESPN, the Cowboys’ opening ranks as the No. 4 vacancy among Power Four programs this year, right behind LSU, Penn State, and Florida.
Rittenberg’s breakdown lays out some hard truths. He points out that, yes, OSU has cratered since the start of the 2024 season, yet it also brings weight from recent success. The Cowboys played for the Big 12 title in 2023 and 2021. They had seven 10‑win seasons between 2010 and 2023. They posted 10 AP Top 25 finishes in that span.
From a recruiting and brand standpoint, the job still holds significant appeal. Rittenberg notes that OSU remains a strong brand in the Big 12 without Oklahoma and Texas. The ability to sell a candidate comes down to messaging and support. The program isn’t broken beyond repair; it just needs a coach who can rebuild direction, restore stability, and tap the regional recruiting markets.
He underscores two major challenges for the program, however. One, the roster and NIL infrastructure need a massive boost. OSU has access to the Dallas market and talent hotbeds nearby, but the recruiting hasn’t been elite lately. Two, the leadership transition is still uneven. With recent shake‑ups in university leadership and donor dynamics, the next hire must have institutional buy‑in from day one.
In short, Rittenberg’s message is clear: if you’re a coach looking for a fast‑track opportunity in the Big 12, Oklahoma State has the ingredients. The pieces are there. The brand is alive. What’s missing is someone to take control, rally resources, and unlock the next phase of Oklahoma State Football.
For Cowboys fans, this is a pivotal moment. The program is about to turn a page. The next coach won’t just hand off the baton; they’ll pick it up, run with it, and define what comes next. Oklahoma State may be ranked behind some of the big-name jobs, but the truth is this: in a league like the Big 12, this could be one of the most promising gigs of the cycle.
