The Oklahoma Sooners men’s basketball program has a rich history of success, from NCAA Tournament appearances to deep runs in March Madness. However, under head coach Porter Moser, the program has struggled to regain its former prominence. As frustration grows among fans, players, and analysts, Sooner Nation appears to be reaching a consensus: it’s time to move on from Porter Moser.
A Promising Start That Hasn’t Materialized
When Oklahoma hired Porter Moser in 2021, there was cautious optimism surrounding the move. Moser had built an impressive reputation at Loyola Chicago, leading the Ramblers to a stunning Final Four run in 2018 and another Sweet 16 appearance in 2021. His teams played with discipline, defensive intensity, and a blue-collar mentality that resonated with college basketball purists.
Moser’s arrival in Norman was seen as a chance for the Sooners to establish a new identity. After Lon Kruger’s retirement, the program was searching for a fresh vision to remain competitive in the ever-evolving Big 12 landscape. However, despite some early flashes of potential, Moser’s tenure has been defined by inconsistency, recruiting struggles, and an inability to compete at the level expected of Oklahoma basketball.
The Decline Under Moser’s Leadership
Since taking over the program, Moser has failed to deliver the kind of results that fans hoped for. While the Sooners have occasionally pulled off big wins, they have largely underperformed in conference play and have struggled to make a significant impact nationally.
Lack of NCAA Tournament Success
Oklahoma has missed the NCAA Tournament in consecutive seasons under Moser, a major red flag for a program with high expectations. Missing March Madness once can be attributed to a transition period, but failing to qualify multiple years in a row signals deeper issues. The Sooners are no longer seen as a feared opponent in the Big 12, and the lack of postseason success is weighing heavily on the program.
Recruiting Struggles and Roster Turnover
One of the biggest concerns under Moser has been his inability to consistently recruit and retain top talent. Oklahoma has lost several key players to the transfer portal, and while Moser has attempted to bring in replacements, the revolving door of roster turnover has made it difficult to establish continuity.
In today’s college basketball landscape, elite recruiting and player retention are essential for success. Programs like Kansas, Baylor, and Texas have thrived by securing top-tier talent year after year, while Oklahoma has lagged behind. Moser’s inability to land marquee recruits has put the program at a disadvantage, and the lack of a clear developmental pipeline has made long-term success seem increasingly unlikely.
Offensive Struggles and Lack of Identity
One of the most frustrating aspects of Moser’s tenure has been the team’s offensive inconsistency. Oklahoma has frequently struggled to score efficiently, ranking near the bottom of the Big 12 in key offensive metrics.
Moser’s defensive-minded approach worked well at Loyola Chicago, where he was able to build a system around a group of players who bought into his philosophy. However, in the Big 12, where elite athletes and high-powered offenses dominate, Oklahoma has often looked outmatched. The lack of a true offensive identity has made it difficult for the Sooners to compete against top-tier teams.
Fan Frustration Reaches a Boiling Point
Sooner Nation is known for its passionate fanbase, and the growing discontent with Moser’s leadership has been evident across social media, message boards, and within the Oklahoma basketball community. Attendance numbers have declined, and fans have expressed their frustration with the program’s lack of progress.
Many believe that Moser’s style simply isn’t suited for the Big 12. His emphasis on defensive intensity and slow-paced play doesn’t align with the high-speed, high-scoring nature of modern college basketball. While defensive fundamentals are important, the Sooners need a coach who can adapt to the competitive landscape and build a team that can thrive offensively.
Time for a New Direction
With Oklahoma set to transition into the SEC, the need for change has never been more urgent. The Sooners cannot afford to enter one of the toughest conferences in college basketball with a struggling program. SEC basketball is fiercely competitive, with teams like Kentucky, Alabama, Tennessee, and Arkansas consistently fielding strong squads. If Oklahoma hopes to be competitive, they need a coach who can elevate the program to that level.
Potential Coaching Replacements
If the Sooners decide to part ways with Moser, there will be no shortage of candidates who could potentially take the program in a new direction. Some intriguing options include:
- Chris Beard – The former Texas Tech and Texas coach has proven success in the Big 12 and SEC, though his controversial departure from Texas could make this a difficult hire.
- Dusty May – The Florida Atlantic coach led FAU to a Final Four appearance in 2023 and has been a rising star in the coaching world.
- Jerome Tang – The Kansas State head coach has already made a major impact in the Big 12 and could be an attractive option if he becomes available.
- Nate Oats – Though currently at Alabama, Oats’ up-tempo, high-scoring style would be a great fit for Oklahoma’s future in the SEC.
Regardless of who takes over, the next coach needs to have a strong recruiting presence, the ability to develop talent, and a system that works in a power conference.
Conclusion
The writing appears to be on the wall for Porter Moser. While he was given an opportunity to build the program in his vision, the results have not been good enough. Oklahoma fans, alumni, and analysts all seem to agree—it’s time to move on.
As the Sooners prepare for their transition to the SEC, they need a leader who can bring excitement, energy, and winning basketball back to Norman. Moser’s tenure may have started with promise, but it has become clear that a fresh start is necessary. Sooner Nation is ready for a change, and the time to make that change is now.
