With the Oklahoma Sooners inevitably looking for a new men’s basketball coach soon to replace Porter Moser, ESPN’s Jeff Borzello recently noted some candidates that should get a look from new OU athletic director Roger Denny once the time officially comes.
Borzello this week released his annual late-season guide to the men’s basketball coaching carousel, and for the second year in a row, OU was mentioned as a job that could open in 2026 as the Sooners are enduring another disappointing season under Moser at 14-14 with three games left in the regular season.
Borzello also mentioned a second way that OU fans could finally get their wish of getting rid of Moser. Borzello believes, even with Moser’s struggles at OU, he could be a candidate for different jobs whether the Sooners fire him or not based on his name and prior success at Loyola Chicago.
Regardless, the chances are high the Sooners will be searching for a new coach this cycle, and in the midst of his carousel breakdown, Borzello mentioned several “high-profile candidates” and mid-major coaches “ready to make the jump,” and a few of those names should be considered by Denny.
Mark Byington, Vanderbilt
With Vanderbilt at 22-6 this season and consistently ranked the past two years, Mark Byington has already proven he can succeed in the SEC, even at a program without as much support as others. He’s much less risky than a mid-major coach jumping levels or a big-time assistant taking charge, but that also comes with a hefty price for Borzello’s buyout.
Bryan Hodgson, South Florida
Bryan Hodgson has the exact experience that should create a perfect fit for the Sooners. He has time under a successful SEC head coach as an assistant for Nate Oats at Alabama. He then became a head coach himself at Arkansas State and promptly took that program to a new level within two years. Now, he already has South Florida atop American standings in his first season there.
Josh Schertz, Saint Louis
Josh Schertz should be included on every list of possible Moser replacements. He was a hot name two years ago after success at Indiana State, and now he’s already primed for another jump with his Saint Louis squad at 25-3 and spending most of this season ranked inside the top 25.
Travis Steele, Miami (OH)
Travis Steele could be the most sought-after coach this cycle with his Miami RedHawks being the last undefeated team left in Division-I college basketball at 28-0. The Sooners could find themselves in a bidding war if they want Steele, but he could be worth it, and OU could even be Steele’s top option.