Oklahoma State’s football program has undergone significant changes with the firing of defensive coordinator Todd Grantham, just a short time after head coach Mike Gundy’s departure. Grantham’s tenure at Oklahoma State ended after only four games in the 2025 season, as the team’s defensive performance continued to struggle.
The decision to part ways with Grantham came on the heels of a difficult 45-27 home loss to Baylor, where the Cowboys allowed 612 yards of total offense. Baylor’s quarterback, Sawyer Robertson, had an impressive outing, throwing for 393 yards and four touchdowns, while the Bears accumulated 219 rushing yards. This game added to the mounting pressure on Grantham, brought in with the expectation of improving a faltering defense.
Despite an initial strong performance against FCS opponent UT Martin, where the defense held them to 225 yards, Oklahoma State’s defensive issues quickly resurfaced. In the second game of the season, the Cowboys conceded 69 points and 631 yards to Oregon. This was followed by a game against Tulsa—Mike Gundy’s final as head coach—where Oklahoma State’s defense allowed 424 total yards, albeit limiting Tulsa to 19 points.
The loss to Baylor left Oklahoma State with a 1-3 record, marking a significant setback in their season’s aspirations. Grantham, who had previously earned experience with several SEC and NFL teams, was unable to reverse the defensive woes plaguing the team. Over the course of four games, the Cowboys’ defense allowed an average of 555.6 yards and 44.3 points per game against FBS opponents, contributing to the decision to relieve him of his duties.
Grantham’s firing reflects the broader challenges faced by Oklahoma State as they aim to rebuild following Gundy’s departure. While coaching transitions can often bring instability, the hope remains that these changes will pave the way for future improvements within the program.