As Oklahoma State begins its search for a new head football coach, Athletic Director Chad Weiberg has made it clear that he’s focused on minimizing risk. Following the departure of longtime head coach Mike Gundy, the Cowboys find themselves at a pivotal moment and that's one that demands not just a hire, but the right hire. In recent remarks to the media, Weiberg laid out what he’s looking for in the next leader of the program, and his message centered on experience, confidence, and the ability to compete on a national level.
Hiring Experience to Reduce Risk
Weiberg didn’t dance around the realities of hiring in college football. He acknowledged that every coaching decision comes with a degree of uncertainty, but said that Oklahoma State intends to limit that uncertainty as much as possible by targeting candidates with head coaching experience.
While that statement suggests a preference for coaches with a proven track record, Weiberg didn’t entirely rule out first-time head coaches. He recognized that “the next great head coach is an assistant out there somewhere right now,” leaving the door open for high-upside candidates. Still, there’s little doubt that Oklahoma State would prefer someone with a résumé that includes leading a program, winning at a high level, and weathering the challenges that come with running a Power Five team. One that comes with immense pressure after having the luxury of Coach Gundy for the last 20 years. This hire needs time and patience to ensure whoever it is ends up being the right fit.
Confidence to Win — No Matter the Conference
Another core attribute Weiberg emphasized was confidence — not just in general leadership, but in a coach’s belief that he can win anywhere. Whether it's in the Big 12, SEC, Big Ten, or any other top conference, the expectation is that the next head coach should have full conviction that he can compete for championships.
Weiberg wants someone who doesn’t look at Oklahoma State as a stepping stone or as an underdog project. Instead, he’s seeking a coach who believes he can win immediately, regardless of perceived limitations or external comparisons. “If he was getting hired by an SEC program, he was going to win the SEC. He’s getting hired by us, he’s going to win the Big 12,” Weiberg said.
This mindset reflects what many programs look for in a new leader, especially after parting ways with a long-tenured coach. It’s not an outlandish expectation — it’s the baseline for a program serious about reclaiming its place on the national stage.
Navigating Resource Gaps in a New Era
While ambition is high, Weiberg also spoke candidly about the challenges Oklahoma State faces in a rapidly changing college football landscape. The Big 12, despite recent competitive success, lags behind the SEC and Big Ten when it comes to media rights revenue. That financial disparity influences everything from coaching salaries to facility upgrades to recruiting budgets.
"“They’re able to fund their programs differently because of that,” Weiberg said of the other two major conferences. “We don’t have those, so we have to rely on our supporters to help level that playing field.” “As long as we can say that you are going to have the resources that you need to compete for championships. I want to hire the guy that thinks he’s going to be able to do that in whatever conference he’s in.”"AD Chad Weiberg
Despite that, he was quick to note that Oklahoma State remains fully committed to providing the resources necessary to compete at the highest level. This can't be used as an excuse to finding the right coach. Yes there might be financial differences between conferences but the fans and players deserve the best. A coach would take less money in the right situation if they see they are set up for success properly and respected. The next head coach should have the tools to succeed, and it will be his job to turn those tools into wins.
Laying the Groundwork for a Smooth Transition
Weiberg also emphasized the importance of a timely and clean transition. With bowl season approaching, he indicated the athletic department will use the interim period to restructure internal systems and make improvements to the football infrastructure. This behind-the-scenes work will allow the new coach to step into a more streamlined, fully supported operation.
Additionally, Weiberg acknowledged the broader uncertainty around conference alignment in college football’s future. While Oklahoma State is firmly in the Big 12 for now, he made it clear that the program must be prepared to adapt and thrive no matter where it lands.
Big Expectations, Realistic Foundation
Everything Weiberg said speaks to a vision that balances ambition with realism. He knows what Oklahoma State is capable of, and he understands the challenges standing in the way. By prioritizing experience, confidence, and adaptability, he’s looking for a leader who can return the Cowboys to national prominence — not in theory, but in execution.
The search is still ongoing, and the right name has yet to emerge. But if Weiberg follows through on his stated principles, Oklahoma State’s next head coach will be someone who not only understands what it takes to win, but fully believes they can do it in Stillwater.