Oklahoma State football assistant Julian Wilson embraces Bedlam transition

Former OU defensive back now coaching for rival Cowboys after joining Eric Morris' staff

Apr. 8, 2026 at 12:05am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football game or match between Oklahoma State and Oklahoma, with sharp planes of orange and red representing the teams' colors and the dynamic action on the field.A cubist interpretation of the intense Bedlam rivalry between Oklahoma State and Oklahoma, capturing the dynamic energy and competitive spirit of the matchup.Stillwater Today

Julian Wilson, a former defensive back at the University of Oklahoma, has made a smooth transition to the other side of the Bedlam rivalry. After a brief NFL career, the 34-year-old Oklahoma native has been on the rise in the coaching ranks, and he has now landed a job on Eric Morris' staff at Oklahoma State University. Wilson, who previously worked with OSU defensive coordinator Skyler Cassity, is embracing his new role with the Cowboys and the chance to coach in his home state.

Why it matters

Wilson's move from OU to OSU is noteworthy as he navigates the intense Bedlam rivalry between the two in-state programs. His experience as a former Sooners player and now Cowboy coach provides unique perspective on the matchup. The transition also highlights Wilson's rising coaching career and the staff continuity Morris has built at OSU.

The details

After being hired onto Eric Morris' coaching staff at Oklahoma State, the first piece of gear Wilson was given was a bright orange shirt - a perfect item to symbolize his Bedlam transition. Wilson, a high school star at Southmoore, played defensive back at OU before a brief NFL career. Now 34, he has been on the rise in the coaching ranks, following Morris from North Texas. Wilson has also worked with OSU defensive coordinator Skyler Cassity at their previous stops, so he feels comfortable in Stillwater. 'The opportunity to come home, back where I played football, back where I did everything, back where my family still stays, it's just an opportunity I couldn't pass up,' Wilson said.

  • Wilson was hired onto Eric Morris' coaching staff at Oklahoma State prior to the 2026 season.

The players

Julian Wilson

A 34-year-old Oklahoma native who played defensive back at the University of Oklahoma before a brief NFL career. He is now an assistant coach on Eric Morris' staff at Oklahoma State University.

Eric Morris

The head football coach at Oklahoma State University, who previously worked with Julian Wilson at North Texas.

Skyler Cassity

The defensive coordinator at Oklahoma State University, who has worked with Julian Wilson at their previous coaching stops.

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What they’re saying

“'The first shirt I put on was bright orange. That was the first thing they gave me when we came here. I already had my Jordans ready to rock with it.'”

— Julian Wilson, Oklahoma State assistant coach

“'The opportunity to come home, back where I played football, back where I did everything, back where my family still stays, it's just an opportunity I couldn't pass up.'”

— Julian Wilson, Oklahoma State assistant coach

The takeaway

Julian Wilson's transition from the University of Oklahoma to Oklahoma State University as an assistant coach on Eric Morris' staff highlights his rising career in the coaching ranks and the unique perspective he brings to the intense Bedlam rivalry between the two in-state programs.