Who is the new wrestling coach of Oklahoma State, succeeding John Smith, and what is his achievement?

A new era has begun for the nationally renowned Oklahoma State wrestling program. John Smith, a great Cowboys coach, announced his retirement in April 2024. Five team titles and thirty-three individual titles were achieved under Smith’s direction at the NCAA level. The search for his successor has started, and the new program head will be under intense pressure to carry on the wrestling legacy.

Smith has left an incomparable mark. He was a two-time Olympic gold medalist who helped establish Oklahoma State as a wrestling powerhouse. He boasts an astonishing 490 victories, eight flawless dual seasons, and five NCAA crowns, making him the winningest coach in program history all-time. The Oklahoma State wrestling team became unbeatable under Smith’s direction, receiving 153 All-America nominations—possibly the most in NCAA history.

Let’s read below “Who is the new wrestling coach of Oklahoma State, succeeding John Smith, and what is his achievement?”

Smith’s successor is still pending

While the official announcement of Smith’s successor is still pending, several strong contenders have emerged. Here’s a look at two potential frontrunners and their impressive achievements:

• Coleman Scott: Coleman Scott has an impressive resume that includes time as a wrestler and coach, and he is well-known among Ole Miss wrestling fans. Scott won bronze at the 2016 Olympics in Rio and was a two-time NCAA champion while playing at Smith. After retiring from competitive play, Scott moved easily into teaching, most recently as an assistant for Smith for four years. His championship background and familiarity with the program’s culture make him a formidable contender to continue Oklahoma State’s winning streak..
• Kenny Monday: An attractive alternative is Kenny Monday, a seasoned coach with a record of success. Now in his second year as head coach, Monday has reinvigorated the Cornell University men’s basketball team, leading the Big Red to a top-10 finish in the 2023 NCAA Championships. Monday, while playing for Oklahoma State and coached by Pat Smith (John’s older brother), won four NCAA titles. He is a formidable opponent because of his knowledge of the Oklahoma State wrestling ideology and his background in program development.

new head coach

The next head coach will inherit a talented squad that has big hopes for the future. The Cowboys finished in third place at the 2024 NCAA Championships while being coached by Lance Landis, who was a program alum. Good news for the team’s future: key wrestlers like Gable Steveson and All-American Nick Piccininni are slated to return.

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My worst fears have come true. Stepping in to replace a legend like John Smith is no small task. Conversely, the Cowboys can look to Oklahoma State’s abundance of coaching talent and its long history of successful wrestling programs. The incoming head coach will have all the tools necessary to maintain the program’s winning tradition, regardless of whether they want to expand on Kenny Monday’s expertise or stick with Coleman Scott’s ideas. The wrestling program at Oklahoma State is looking well for the future, and the fans can’t wait for the new head coach to be announced.

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