Inside Eric Morris' OSU Contract

New Oklahoma State coach Eric Morris could have a $1 million payday awaiting him, should he win the Cowboys a national championship.

Easier said than done, sure. But who predicted Indiana, one of the sport’s bottom-dwellers for so long, would be Big 10 champions and ranked No. 1 in Curt Cignetti’s second season at the helm? How about Sonny Dykes leading TCU to a national championship appearance in his first year in 2022? 

All that remains to be seen. But crazier has happened in college football. 

Morris is set to earn a $20 million base salary in a five-year contract he signed Nov. 24 to become OSU’s coach. The contract, obtained by The Stillwegian through public records, allocates for a $3.8 million salary in Morris’ first season.

Morris succeeds former coach Mike Gundy, who earned $6.75 million after a restructured contract that came into fruition December 2024. Gundy was fired Sept. 23, following a home loss to Tulsa and a 1-2 start to the season. The Cowboys finished 2025 at 1-11 with a 0-8 mark against Big 12 opponents, marking their second-consecutive season going winless in conference play.

Here is a breakdown of Morris’ contract, provided with various incentives, buyout details and more.

Salary

Morris’ contract includes a $100,000 pay raise each year as of Feb. 1. OSU will pay Morris out of “legally available funds” per year in monthly increments.

That goes as follows:

• December 1 — Jan. 31, 2027: $3,300,000
• Feb. 1, 2027 — Jan. 31, 2028: $3,400,000
• Feb. 1, 2028 — Jan. 31, 2029: $3,500,000
• Feb. 1, 2029 — Jan. 31, 2030: $3,600,000
• Feb. 1, 2030 — Jan. 31, 2031: $3,700,000

Buyout

If Morris is terminated before Feb.1, 2029, OSU will owe 75% of his remaining contract. Should he be terminated beyond then, the university will owe him 65% of his remaining base salary.

Morris’ financial obligation, should he depart OSU without written permission — i.e., accepts a position with a new school — is as follows:

• December 1, 2025 — Jan. 31, 2027: $7 million
• Feb. 1, 2027 — Jan. 31, 2028: $4 million
• Feb. 1, 2028 — Jan. 31 2029: $3 million
• Feb. 1, 2029 — Jan. 31, 2030: $1 million
• Feb. 1, 2030 or beyond: Morris owes nothing.

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Bonuses and incentives

The bonuses within Morris’ contract are not cumulative, nor will they be paid if he departs for a position with a new school or terminates his contract without cause prior to coaching in the specified postseason game. Morris can only achieve each bonus for the highest tier he reaches, not through a per-bonus basis.  

Morris’ listed bonuses are as follows:

• Bowl game appearance: $150,000
• College Football Playoff appearance OR the Big 12 Championship game: $250,000
• Winning the Big 12 Championship OR appearing in the CFP quarterfinals: $375,000
• Appearing in the CFP semifinals: $500,000
• Appearing in the CFP national championship: $750,000
• Winning the CFP national championship: $1 million

Other benefits

Morris’ contract includes the usual coaching luxuries, such as the use of a car — on loan for the term of his contract — and provided tickets for home games.

Here is a look at all of his remaining benefits:

• Twelve tickets to OSU home football games for a mutually-determined location.
• Up to four tickets for OSU men’s basketball home games in the 100 level.
• A club level membership at Boone Pickens Stadium, also to be mutually determined.
• Up to 12 tickets for Big 12 Conference-related or any postseason games.
• Moving and temporary housing expenses up to 3 months.
• Family travel for OSU football road games.