North Texas wins big but faces turmoil as coach Eric Morris leaves for Oklahoma State
North Texas secured a 52-25 victory over Temple, keeping their College Football Playoff hopes alive. However, the team now faces uncertainty after head coach Eric Morris announced his move to Oklahoma State on 26 November 2025.
Morris accepted the head coaching position at Oklahoma State but admitted he was not ready for his players to find out through social media. He apologised for failing to inform them personally before the news broke.
The team’s reaction was mixed. Senior linebacker Trey Fields reacted with disappointment, simply saying, 'It is what it is.' Meanwhile, redshirt freshman quarterback Drew Mestemaker, the nation’s top passer, showed more understanding of Morris’ decision. Mestemaker has not considered his own future yet, focusing instead on finishing the season strong.
Despite the coaching change, Morris has committed to staying with North Texas until the end of the season—even if the team wins the conference but misses out on the College Football Playoff. The Mean Green have already secured a place in the American Conference championship game, where they will face either No. 22 Tulane or Navy.
Morris plans to maintain contact with his players, especially those unhappy with his departure. The team’s immediate focus remains on winning and hoping for a playoff spot.
North Texas will now prepare for the conference final without clarity on who will replace Morris next season. The players must balance their emotions with the task of keeping their playoff ambitions alive in the remaining games.
