Eric Morris Is Right to Keep Calling Oklahoma State's Offense
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One of the more interesting comments from Eric Morris at Big 12 Media Days had nothing to do with Oklahoma State's roster.
It was about his headset.
When asked whether he could ever see himself giving up play-calling duties, Morris didn't hesitate.
No.
He admitted there aren't many head coaches left who still call their own plays, but he also made something very clear.
"It's still my favorite thing to do."
I think Oklahoma State fans should be thrilled to hear that.
Some people believe a head coach can't effectively manage an entire football program while also calling the offense.
I understand the argument.
College football has changed.
Head coaches have more responsibilities than ever.
Roster management.
Recruiting.
The transfer portal.
NIL.
Media obligations.
It's a lot.
Here's my response.
Oklahoma State didn't hire Eric Morris to stop being Eric Morris.
The Cowboys hired him because he's one of the brightest offensive minds in college football.
Why would you take away the thing he does best?
Morris didn't build his reputation by standing on the sideline and overseeing practice.
He built it by designing explosive offenses and calling plays.
That's his identity.
It's also one of the biggest reasons Oklahoma State believes this program can quickly return to contention.
If Morris enjoys calling plays…
If he believes it keeps him connected to the offense…
If it's the area where he provides the greatest value…
Then I don't see a reason to change.
Mike Gundy eventually stepped away from play-calling.
That worked for him.
Eric Morris doesn't need to follow the exact same blueprint.
He's building this program his way.
So far, everything points toward an offense built around his vision.
He brought Drew Mestemaker from North Texas because he knows the system.
He landed Caleb Hawkins to become the centerpiece of the running game.
He reshaped the roster with players who fit exactly what he wants to accomplish offensively.
This isn't someone inheriting another coach's offense.
This is his offense.
That makes it even more important that the play sheet stays in his hands.
If Oklahoma State hired one of the country's best offensive coaches, fans should want him making the biggest offensive decisions on Saturdays.
Maybe one day Morris decides it's time to hand those responsibilities to someone else.
That day, however doesn't need to come anytime soon.
Not while he's still doing what he loves most and certainly not while Oklahoma State is trying to establish a new identity under his leadership.
Oklahoma State didn't hire Eric Morris simply to manage a football program.
The Cowboys hired him to build one of the Big 12's best offenses—and the play sheet belongs exactly where it is: in his hands.
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