When it comes time for Oklahoma State to consider its next head football coach, few names offer the upside, developmental pedigree, and program-building prowess of Eric Morris. Currently leading North Texas, Morris has quietly established himself as one of the most forward-thinking young coaches in college football—especially when it comes to offensive innovation and quarterback development.
While he may not have the national recognition of some Power 5 coaches, Morris’s resume is deeper than many realize. His rise from the FCS ranks to his current FBS success paints the picture of a coach who doesn’t just win—he builds.
From Incarnate Word to North Texas: A Proven Builder
Eric Morris’s head coaching journey began at Incarnate Word, where he served from 2018 to 2021. When he arrived, the program was an afterthought—lacking identity, consistency, or high-level expectations. By the time he left, Morris had led them to two Southland Conference championships and helped lay the foundation for a program now consistently in the national conversation at the FCS level.
Following that success, Morris moved on to be the offensive coordinator at Washington State in 2022. Though his time there was brief, it was another stop that reinforced his offensive mind and his eye for quarterback talent.
In 2023, he took over as the head coach at North Texas. The transition wasn’t immediate; his first season ended just short of bowl eligibility as he began to implement his systems and recruit players who fit his style. But in year two, the transformation is underway. North Texas finished the regular season at 6–6 and earned a bowl bid. Now in his third season, the Mean Green are off to a 5–0 start, signaling the arrival of Morris’s vision.
His overall head coaching record stands at 40–32, and while that may not scream “elite” at first glance, it belies the remarkable turnarounds he’s engineered at every stop.
A Quarterback Whisperer with a Proven Track Record
If there’s one trait that defines Eric Morris as a coach, it’s his ability to identify and develop quarterbacks—sometimes before anyone else sees the potential.
During his career, Morris has played a role in the recruitment and development of several future NFL quarterbacks, including Patrick Mahomes and Baker Mayfield. But perhaps his most well-known success story is Cam Ward, who arrived at Incarnate Word as a zero-star prospect with little attention from other programs. Morris saw something in Ward, developed him from the ground up, and turned him into a star—eventually helping him land at Washington State.
His current quarterback project at North Texas, Drew Mestemaker, may be his most impressive yet. Mestemaker never started a varsity game in high school. Still, Morris trusted his evaluation over convention and named him the starter over the more experienced Reese Poffenbarger. That decision has paid off: through Week 5, Mestemaker led the American Athletic Conference and was tied for fifth nationally in passing touchdowns.
That kind of player development, not just identifying raw talent but turning it into production, is exactly what Power 5 programs should be looking for in their next head coach.
He’s Not Just Offense: A Balanced Approach Emerging
Defensively, UNT ranks 37th in total yards allowed per game and 11th nationally in passing yards allowed, showing that Morris has built a more complete team in Denton. It’s no longer just about scoring fast—it’s about playing complete football.
That balance would serve Oklahoma State well, especially in the evolving Big 12 landscape, where high-powered offenses are now met by teams with legitimate defenses.
Why Morris Fits the Oklahoma State Blueprint
Youth with Momentum
At just 39 years old, Morris still has the hunger and energy of a rising coach. He’s not content to maintain, he wants to elevate his game and his team. Oklahoma State could benefit from that kind of fresh perspective, especially coming off a coaching era defined by stability and continuity.
Quarterback + Coach Combo
If Oklahoma State were to land Morris, there’s a possibility he could bring Drew Mestemaker with him, much like John Mateer followed Ben Arbuckle (though Arbuckle was OC, not head coach). A head coach–quarterback duo already in sync can provide instant offensive identity—something that can attract other transfers and recruits in today’s portal-driven world.
Final Thoughts: A Forward-Looking Hire Worth Making
Eric Morris might not be the loudest name in the coaching carousel, but he could be the smartest hire for Oklahoma State when it's all said and done. His combination of player development, quarterback evaluation, and cultural building fits exactly what the Cowboys need in their next leader.
Morris has proven he can win. He’s proven he can build. And now, with North Texas surging, he’s showing he’s ready for a bigger stage.
Oklahoma State should seriously consider being the school that gives it to him.