Eric Morris walked away from the University of North Texas on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, just as the Mean Green stood on the brink of something no team in school history had ever achieved: a spot in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff. The announcement, made at 6:26 PM UTC while campus emptied for Thanksgiving, sent shockwaves through Denton — not because Morris was leaving, but because he was leaving now, with a 10-2 record, a potential program-record 11th win looming against Temple, and the selection committee’s bracket set to drop on December 2. This wasn’t just a coaching change. It was a seismic rupture in the middle of a dream.
The Timing That Broke Hearts
The decision came as the campus fell silent. Students were packing up for the holiday. The football offices were emptying. And then came the email: Morris was headed to Oklahoma State. The University of North Texas had just completed its best season ever — 27 wins in three years under Morris, the first double-digit win campaign since the program’s founding in 1913. Yet, instead of celebrating, fans were left wondering: What now? "It’s tough. It’s life in the G5," said one student to WFAA, echoing the quiet resignation of a fanbase used to being left behind. Another, holding a #GoMeanGreen sign outside the student union, added, "Go out on top if you can. So, everybody come out, support him." The emotional whiplash was real. Morris had rebuilt the program from mediocrity to contender. Now, he was leaving right before the payoff.The Star QB in the Crosshairs
The biggest question isn’t who replaces Morris — it’s whether Drew Memaker, the redshirt freshman quarterback from Denton, will follow him to Stillwater. Memaker, a local product who threw for 2,840 yards and 24 touchdowns in his first full season, became the face of UNT’s resurgence. His chemistry with Morris was undeniable. And now, with the Oklahoma State University job filled, whispers have turned into shouts: Will Memaker transfer? Will he stay and fight for a legacy he didn’t ask for? "He’s the guy who made this season possible," said a longtime season ticket holder at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. "If he leaves, this whole thing feels like it was just a mirage."The Coaching Carousel Just Got More Chaotic
Morris’s departure is one of at least 12 head coaching vacancies across the FBS as of November 26, 2025 — eight of them in Power Four conferences. The University of Oregon, University of Florida, University of Southern California, and University of Washington are all searching. That means UNT’s athletic director, Wren Baker, isn’t just competing against other Group of Five schools — he’s going up against blue-blood programs with bigger budgets, bigger TV deals, and deeper recruiting pipelines. The University of North Texas has had seven head coaches since 2007. That’s a revolving door. Fans know the drill: hope, then heartbreak. Now, they’re wondering if this time is different — or if it’s just another cycle.What’s at Stake: The CFP and the Early Signing Period
The College Football Playoff selection committee will unveil its first-ever 12-team bracket on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 7:00 PM Eastern Time. A win over Temple University on Friday, November 28, would give UNT its first 11-win season. A 10-3 finish? Still possible. But would a team with a new interim coach, no head coach in place, and a potentially departing star quarterback be taken seriously? And then there’s the December 15 early signing period. That’s when recruits lock in their commitments. UNT had 17 pledges in its 2026 class — most of them drawn by Morris’s vision. If he’s gone, will those kids stay? Will the program lose its momentum before it even gets to bowl season?
Why This Matters Beyond Denton
This isn’t just about UNT. It’s about the G5 system. For years, Group of Five schools have argued they deserve a fair shot at the CFP. Morris’s success proved it was possible. But his departure — right before the moment of truth — shows how fragile that progress is. One coach leaves, and the entire foundation trembles. The American Athletic Conference hasn’t issued a statement. The Stillwater campus is celebrating. And in Denton? Students are hanging banners. But they’re also wondering if they’ll get to see the payoff.What’s Next?
Wren Baker has 17 days to find a coach who can not only win games, but also convince recruits, players, and fans that this program isn’t just another stepping stone. The interim president, Dr. Phil Castille, is under pressure. The media is watching. And the clock is ticking. The Mean Green’s final regular-season game against Temple isn’t just a game. It’s a statement. A farewell. A last stand. Whether it’s under Morris or someone else, the team has to play like they’re fighting for something bigger than themselves.Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Eric Morris leave UNT for Oklahoma State now?
Morris left because Oklahoma State offered him a Power Four platform with greater resources, a larger media market, and a chance to compete for conference titles and national relevance. His 27-15 record at UNT — including a historic 10-2 season — made him a prime candidate. The timing was strategic: he secured the job after OSU’s regular season ended, giving him time to transition before bowl prep and the early signing period.
How does this affect Drew Memaker’s future?
Memaker’s future is uncertain. As a local recruit who thrived under Morris’s system, he’s the most likely player to follow his coach to Stillwater. If he transfers, UNT’s offense loses its engine — and its best chance to impress the CFP committee. If he stays, he becomes a symbol of loyalty, but also a target for criticism if the team falters under a new coach.
Can UNT still make the College Football Playoff without Morris?
It’s unlikely. The CFP selection committee values stability and momentum. A team with a new interim coach, no head coach named before selection day, and a star QB possibly transferring would struggle to gain traction. Even an 11-2 record might not be enough without the narrative of continuity. UNT’s best shot was winning with Morris at the helm — that window is closing fast.
What’s the impact on recruiting for UNT’s 2026 class?
The 17 committed recruits are now in limbo. Many were sold on Morris’s vision and development track record. With no new coach named before December 15, some are likely to decommit. UNT’s ability to retain even half of its class will determine whether this historic season leads to sustained success — or just another flash in the pan.
Is this common for Group of Five schools?
Yes. Since 2007, UNT alone has had seven head coaches. Schools like Cincinnati, Boise State, and Houston have seen similar patterns: success leads to coach hires by Power Four teams, then a drop-off. It’s the G5 paradox — you build something great, then lose the architect. UNT’s challenge is breaking that cycle, not just surviving it.
What does this mean for the American Athletic Conference?
The AAC has no official stance yet, but this weakens its credibility. If its top program loses its coach mid-season while on the cusp of the CFP, it reinforces the perception that G5 schools can’t retain talent. The conference’s hope for a permanent CFP bid hinges on teams like UNT proving they can sustain success — and now, that hope is in jeopardy.
