Oklahoma State Football Bolsters Defense with Two Key Coaching Additions
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Oklahoma State football fans have reason for optimism as head coach Eric Morris announced the hiring of Reggie Johnson as linebackers coach and Julian Wilson as cornerbacks coach on Monday. These strategic additions aim to fortify the Cowboys’ defensive capabilities ahead of the upcoming season.
Familiar Faces join the Pokes
Both Johnson and Wilson bring pre-existing relationships with Morris, having previously served on his staff at North Texas in 2025. This shared history is expected to facilitate a smooth integration into the Oklahoma State program. Furthermore,both coaches have established connections with OSU defensive coordinator Skyler cassity,having collaborated at multiple institutions. Johnson and Cassity worked together at North Texas in 2025 and Sam Houston in 2024, while Wilson and Cassity teamed up at Abilene Christian from 2022-2023.
Reggie Johnson: A Veteran Leader
Reggie Johnson arrives in Stillwater with an extraordinary 28 years of coaching experience, including 21 seasons specifically dedicated to mentoring linebackers. A 1996 graduate of Louisville, Johnson’s career has been marked by success, highlighted by appearances in prestigious bowl games such as the 2005 Gator Bowl, 2006 Orange Bowl, 2010 Sugar Bowl, and 2011 Cotton Bowl. He has held defensive coordinator positions at both Alabama A&M and UAB, and served as co-defensive coordinator at missouri State in 2023.His extensive resume demonstrates a proven ability to develop and led defensive units.
Here’s a detailed look at Johnson’s coaching journey:
- 1997-98: Louisville, graduate assistant
- 1998-99: Alabama A&M, special teams coordinator
- 2000: Alabama A&M, inside linebackers
- 2001: UTEP, defensive ends
- 2002: UTEP, linebackers
- 2003: Louisville, defensive line
- 2004-07: Louisville, linebackers
- 2008-11: Arkansas, linebackers
- 2012-13: UAB, defensive coordinator / linebackers
- 2014-15: Alabama A&M, defensive coordinator / linebackers / defensive line
- 2016: Western Kentucky, defensive ends
- 2017-19: Purdue, defensive line
- 2020-22: Missouri State, linebackers
- 2023: Missouri State, co-defensive coordinator
- 2024: Sam Houston, linebackers
- 2025: north Texas, inside linebackers
- 2026: Oklahoma State, linebackers
Julian Wilson: From the NFL to Stillwater
Julian Wilson, a native of Oklahoma City and a 2014 graduate of the University of Oklahoma, brings a unique outlook to the Cowboys’ coaching staff. With six years of collegiate coaching experience, Wilson specializes in developing defensive backs. Prior to entering the coaching ranks, Wilson enjoyed a professional playing career, with stints in the NFL with the Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs, and Minnesota Vikings, as well as time in the Canadian Football League (CFL) with the Calgary Stampeders. Adding to his connection with the program, Wilson’s father, Darrell McCowan, lettered in football at Oklahoma State from 1991-1992.
Wilson’s coaching history includes:
- 2020-21: Texas Tech, graduate assistant
- 2022-23: Abilene Christian, defensive backs
- 2024: Sam Houston, defensive backs
- 2025: North Texas, defensive backs
- 2026: Oklahoma State, cornerbacks
Looking Ahead
These hires signal a commitment to defensive excellence under Coach Morris. All university hires are pending completion of a standard background check. The addition of Johnson and Wilson, with their combined experience and existing relationships within the program, positions Oklahoma state to make significant strides on the defensive side of the ball.
