Oklahoma State made a decisive move by firing defensive coordinator Todd Grantham after just four games this season. The team wasted no time in promoting Clint Bowen, who had been serving in an offensive quality control role, to interim defensive coordinator. The promotion signals a critical shift in direction for a defense that has ranked among the worst in the nation. While Bowen may seem like an unconventional choice on paper, his experience, defensive pedigree, and renewed passion for coaching make him a compelling figure to lead the turnaround.
A Veteran with Deep Roots in Defense
Clint Bowen is no stranger to college football or defensive responsibilities. A native of Kansas and a former safety at the University of Kansas, Bowen led the Jayhawks in tackles in 1993 and played a pivotal role in their Aloha Bowl win the year prior. His coaching résumé spans nearly three decades, including multiple stints as a defensive coordinator at Kansas, Western Kentucky, and North Texas.
During his time at Kansas, Bowen served under respected head coaches such as Glen Mason, Mark Mangino, David Beaty, and Les Miles. From 2021 to 2024, he returned to his hometown to coach at Lawrence High School, reconnecting with the roots of the game. That experience, he says, reignited his passion for coaching and gave him a fresh outlook on what truly matters in the sport.
The Numbers Speak for Themselves
Oklahoma State’s decision to make a change was fueled by results or the lack thereof. Through the first four games, the Cowboys ranked 128th in total defense, surrendering 473 yards per game. They allowed 35 points per game, ranking 124th in scoring defense, and gave up 213 rushing yards per contest, placing them at 126th nationally in rush defense.
These numbers reflect more than just bad luck. They reveal a systemic breakdown in fundamentals, discipline, and execution. Bowen inherits a unit in disarray, and he understands that schemes alone won’t fix the problem. For him, it’s about stripping the game down to its essentials.
A Back-to-Basics Approach
Bowen brings a no-nonsense philosophy to the role, one rooted in fundamentals and clarity. He’s not interested in drawing up complex diagrams if the players can’t execute the basics.
"“It doesn’t matter what I know, or the assistant coaches know — all that matters is what the players know.”"Clint Bowen
His plan starts with rebuilding confidence and teaching players to trust their instincts. He emphasized that flashy schemes mean nothing without the ability to tackle or cover.
"“We’ll go back to step one of the process. Master tackling, master reactions, then start figuring out what the opponent is doing. We’ll be as basic as we need to be”. “We can draw any 11 things on the board. If you can’t tackle someone, it doesn’t work. If you can’t cover someone, it doesn’t work. Those things can never get lost in the mix.”"Clint Bowen
This focus on simplicity and fundamentals may be exactly what the Cowboys need right now. For a defense that appears overwhelmed and underprepared, clarity could provide the quickest path to improvement.
Reignited Passion and the Road Ahead
Bowen credits head coach Mike Gundy and his recent high school coaching experience as key reasons he feels reenergized. After years in the college game, stepping away allowed him to rediscover why he fell in love with coaching in the first place. Now, stepping into a leadership role again, Bowen feels both inspired and ready.
While Bowen’s role as interim defensive coordinator may come under difficult circumstances, he views it as an opportunity to bring purpose back to a struggling unit. His focus is not just on correcting mistakes, but on reestablishing pride in Oklahoma State’s defensive identity.
The road ahead won’t be easy. There are no shortcuts, and the problems won’t vanish overnight. But with Bowen’s experience, clear-eyed leadership, and focus on fundamentals, Oklahoma State has taken an important first step toward turning its season around.