Oklahoma State Hires Sooners Co-Offensive Coordinator Kevin Johns as Quarterbacks Coach
In a move that has raised eyebrows in the Big 12 Conference, Oklahoma State University has announced the hiring of Kevin Johns as the new quarterbacks coach for its football program. Johns, most recently serving as the co-offensive coordinator at the University of Oklahoma, will now transition to the Cowboys’ staff, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a reputation for developing successful quarterbacks at multiple levels of football.
This news marks a significant shift in Oklahoma State’s offensive coaching staff and signals a new direction as the Cowboys aim to strengthen their quarterback play moving forward. For Johns, the decision to make the switch to Oklahoma State presents an exciting opportunity to continue his career in a new environment and take on a specialized role that could prove pivotal for the team’s offensive future.
Background on Kevin Johns: A Track Record of Success
Kevin Johns has built a solid reputation as a skilled offensive coach with a focus on developing quarterbacks. His coaching career spans multiple programs, where he has served in various capacities, including as a position coach, offensive coordinator, and most recently as co-offensive coordinator at Oklahoma. His ability to work with quarterbacks, in particular, has earned him recognition as one of the rising stars in the coaching world.
Before joining Oklahoma, Johns had an extensive career that included stints at notable programs such as Northwestern University, the University of Memphis, and the University of Indiana. Each stop has added layers to his coaching acumen, with success at every level.
At Oklahoma, Johns worked alongside the offensive staff to oversee the development of one of the most potent offenses in the nation. His influence on quarterback play was significant, helping to groom players into Heisman Trophy candidates and top NFL prospects. While his time at Oklahoma was marked by strong offensive performances, the opportunity to work exclusively with quarterbacks at Oklahoma State provides Johns with the chance to focus on what he does best: developing signal-callers.
Why Oklahoma State?
Oklahoma State’s decision to hire Kevin Johns came after a review of their offensive coaching structure and the need to reinforce their quarterback position. The Cowboys have long been known for their explosive offense, largely due to the development of talented quarterbacks such as Mason Rudolph and Spencer Sanders. However, recent seasons have seen some inconsistency at the quarterback position, leading to the decision to bring in a coach with proven expertise in that area.
Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy, who has been at the helm of the Cowboys for over a decade, has often emphasized the importance of strong quarterback play as a foundation for a successful offense. With the team entering a new phase, Gundy saw in Johns a coach who could help stabilize and elevate the quarterback room. Johns’ reputation for working well with quarterbacks from different backgrounds and skill sets made him an attractive candidate to lead the Cowboys’ quarterbacks as they prepare for the challenges of a competitive Big 12.
In particular, Gundy was impressed by Johns’ ability to adapt his coaching to fit the needs of different players, an important quality for any quarterback coach. Whether it’s working with a highly recruited freshman or a seasoned upperclassman, Johns has demonstrated an ability to get the best out of his players and tailor his approach to help each signal-caller succeed.
Impact on Oklahoma State’s Quarterback Development
The quarterback position has long been a focal point for Oklahoma State, and Kevin Johns’ arrival brings high expectations for the development of future quarterbacks. For the Cowboys, this is an important moment in the evolution of their offense, as the team looks to rebound from some offensive inconsistencies in recent years.
One of the key aspects that Johns will focus on is the development of the Cowboys’ current quarterbacks. With Spencer Sanders, the team’s long-time starter, no longer in the program, Oklahoma State enters a new chapter at quarterback. The competition for the starting job will likely be fierce, with multiple players vying for the top spot. Johns’ experience working with quarterbacks of various skill levels will be crucial in helping to shape the next star under center.
Moreover, Johns’ coaching philosophy places a premium on building strong relationships with quarterbacks and understanding their unique strengths and weaknesses. His ability to adjust his coaching style based on the individual needs of players will be invaluable as the Cowboys look to bring in a new leader at the position.
What This Means for the Big 12 and Recruiting
The hiring of Kevin Johns is not just a significant moment for Oklahoma State; it also has implications for the broader Big 12 Conference. As the conference continues to evolve and new quarterbacks emerge as the faces of their respective programs, having a coach with Johns’ pedigree could give Oklahoma State a recruiting edge.
For Big 12 schools competing for top-tier quarterback talent, having a coach like Johns in the mix creates an additional layer of competition. His experience in developing quarterbacks to succeed at the highest levels of college football could be the differentiator for prospects looking to make a name for themselves in the conference.
What Lies Ahead for Kevin Johns and Oklahoma State
As Kevin Johns steps into his new role at Oklahoma State, expectations will be high. He brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and a passion for developing quarterbacks. His focus will be on refining the skills of the Cowboys’ quarterbacks, ensuring they are prepared for the rigors of Big 12 competition.
For Gundy and the rest of the Oklahoma State coaching staff, Johns’ arrival is seen as a step in the right direction. With a renewed commitment to quarterback development, the Cowboys are positioning themselves to remain competitive in the ever-challenging Big 12. In the coming years, it will be fascinating to see how Johns’ coaching methods translate to success on the field, as his ability to develop quarterbacks will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
As for Kevin Johns, the move to Oklahoma State presents an exciting opportunity to continue his coaching career and make a lasting impact on the Cowboys’ quarterback room. With a talented roster, a fan base eager for success, and a new challenge ahead, Johns has all the tools necessary to help the Cowboys rise to prominence once again.
