Oklahoma State Hires Todd Grantham as Defensive Coordinator After Dismal Season
It’s official: veteran coach Todd Grantham is making his return to college football, and he’s heading to Stillwater to join Mike Gundy’s staff at Oklahoma State as the new defensive coordinator. This move comes at a critical time for the Cowboys, who are coming off a season they’d probably rather forget—a 3-9 record, a winless Big 12 campaign, and a defense that ranked near the bottom of the nation in almost every major category.
Grantham, who has a wealth of experience in both college football and the NFL, will be tasked with rebuilding a defense that allowed a staggering 500.6 yards per game this season, ranking next-to-last nationally. The Cowboys also gave up 35.6 points per game, placing them 126th in scoring defense. To say the defense hit rock bottom would be an understatement, and Grantham’s arrival signals a much-needed fresh start for the program.
Grantham’s Coaching Journey: From NFL to College and Back
At 58 years old, Grantham brings a résumé that reads like a who’s who of football coaching. Most recently, he spent two seasons with the New Orleans Saints, initially serving as Dennis Allen’s defensive line coach before transitioning to a senior adviser role earlier this year. With Allen’s firing and Darren Rizzi stepping in as interim head coach, Grantham decided it was time to return to the college game. His last day with the Saints will be Tuesday, after which he’ll officially join Gundy’s staff.
“He’s done a heck of a job here behind the scenes with the defensive staff,” Rizzi told reporters. “But it’s certainly a great opportunity for him. He made the decision he wanted to get back in the college game. … I think Mike Gundy is getting a great coach.”
Grantham’s college coaching career is just as impressive. He’s worked under some of the biggest names in the sport, including Nick Saban at both Alabama and Michigan State. In 2022, he served as a senior defensive analyst for Alabama and even interviewed for the defensive coordinator position when Pete Golding left for Ole Miss. However, Grantham ultimately chose to return to the NFL that year.
Successes and Challenges in College Football
Grantham’s college coaching résumé includes stints as defensive coordinator at several major programs. He was with the Florida Gators from 2018 to 2021, where his defenses forced 65 turnovers from 2018 to 2020—11th most in the country during that span. The Gators also led the SEC in sacks in both 2019 and 2020. Before that, he spent a season at Mississippi State, where he was nominated for the Broyles Award as the top assistant coach in college football in 2017.
Grantham’s other stops include Louisville, where all three of his defenses ranked in the top 20 nationally in total defense, and Georgia, where he served as defensive coordinator under Mark Richt from 2010 to 2013. He also has NFL experience as the defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns from 2005 to 2007.
However, Grantham’s career hasn’t been without its challenges. His tenure at Florida ended in 2021 when he was part of a series of staff changes made by then-head coach Dan Mullen. The Gators were 5-6 at the time, and Mullen himself was fired before the season’s final game. Despite these setbacks, Grantham’s track record of success and his ability to adapt to different programs and systems make him a valuable addition to any coaching staff.
The Road Ahead for Oklahoma State
For Oklahoma State, the 2024 season was one to forget. The Cowboys ended the year on a nine-game losing streak, capped off by a humiliating 52-0 loss to Colorado. The team’s struggles on defense were a major factor in their dismal performance, and Grantham’s hiring is a clear signal that changes are coming.
Mike Gundy, who recently agreed to a restructured contract to return for his 21st season, will be counting on Grantham to turn things around. The Cowboys’ defense has nowhere to go but up, and Grantham’s experience and expertise could be just what the program needs to get back on track.
Key Takeaways
- Todd Grantham has been hired as Oklahoma State’s new defensive coordinator.
- Grantham brings extensive experience from both college football and the NFL.
- Oklahoma State’s defense ranked near the bottom nationally in 2024, allowing 500.6 yards and 35.6 points per game.
- Grantham’s past successes include leading SEC defenses in sacks and forcing turnovers at Florida, as well as top-20 national rankings at Louisville.
With Grantham on board, Oklahoma State fans will be hoping for a much-improved defense in 2025. The road to redemption won’t be easy, but if anyone can help the Cowboys rise from the ashes, it’s Todd Grantham.
Originally Written by: Chris Low
