As Oklahoma State moves into a new era following the departure of longtime head coach Mike Gundy, Athletic Director Chad Weiberg is leading a pivotal search for the next leader of the Cowboys football program. It’s a decision that will not only shape the immediate future of OSU football, but also define much of Weiberg’s legacy in Stillwater.
Weiberg has acknowledged the weight of the task and the complexity of the coaching carousel around college football. The recent firing of Penn State’s James Franklin has introduced another high-profile opening into the market, potentially altering the course of multiple coaching searches across the country. While Weiberg said he hasn’t yet seen a direct impact from the Penn State situation, he admitted that it could still play a role as their process plays out.
Timing as a Strategic Advantage
One factor working in Oklahoma State’s favor is timing. The university didn’t wait until the end of the season to begin its coaching search. By moving early, OSU positioned itself ahead of programs that are just now beginning to enter the market. That kind of head start can be crucial in a competitive coaching cycle, especially when multiple Power Five jobs begin to open simultaneously.
Weiberg said that while Oklahoma State hasn’t yet felt the effects of other job changes, it’s still early, and the dominoes are just beginning to fall. By getting their process underway before other major programs made changes, OSU has had the opportunity to start lining up candidates, conduct background work, and get its internal ducks in a row. In a chaotic coaching market, even a few weeks of extra preparation can be a meaningful edge.
Due Diligence With an Eye on the Calendar
Despite that early jump, Weiberg emphasized that OSU will take the time necessary to get the hire right. The school isn’t rushing just to make a splash. Weiberg said he and his team are working every day on the search, and the university is committed to doing its due diligence to ensure the next coach is the right fit both on and off the field.
That said, there is still a timeline in mind. The early signing period for high school recruits runs from December 3 through December 5, and having a head coach in place before then would be ideal. The Cowboys have already seen much of their 2026 recruiting class reopen their commitments, although several of those players have indicated they will continue to consider OSU depending on who the next coach is. Beyond that, the NCAA transfer portal window opens on January 2, adding another layer of urgency to the process.
Weiberg noted that he’d like to have the search wrapped up shortly after the regular season ends, ideally by the Sunday following the final slate of games. However, he also acknowledged that if a target coach is involved in a conference championship game, the timeline could shift accordingly.
A Defining Moment for Chad Weiberg
There’s no doubt this is one of the most important decisions of Chad Weiberg’s tenure. While the university is placing its trust in him to handle the process, the outcome of this search will significantly influence how his leadership is ultimately judged. Patience from the fan base is understandable, and probably warranted, given the scope of the decision, but expectations remain high.
The pressure is clear. Oklahoma State must find a head coach who can stabilize the program, reenergize recruiting, and keep the Cowboys competitive in an evolving Big 12 landscape. For now, Weiberg is playing things close to the vest, working behind the scenes, and trying to stay one step ahead of what promises to be a rapidly moving coaching cycle.