Stormin in Norman
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Mississippi State fans are already terrified of losing their athletic director to Oklahoma

The Bulldogs know it's probably a matter of time.
ByDekota Gregory|
Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Mississippi State fans immediately saw the writing on the wall in crimson letters.

Entering his 28th season, Oklahoma athletic director Joe Castiglione will retire from his full-time role during the upcoming 2025-26 academic year, vacating one of the biggest job openings in college sports. The immediate frontrunner to replace Castiglione is Mississippi State AD Zac Selmon, who has deep roots in Norman.

Zac Selmon is top candidate to be Sooners' next AD

Selmon took over Mississippi State's athletic department in January 2023. He was almost immediately tasked with finding a new football coach after firing Zach Arnett during Selmon's first season in charge. Selmon then hired OU offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby, solidifying his OU connections.

Before getting to Starkville, Selmon spent nearly his entire career and life in Norman. After graduating from Norman High School, Selmon played tight end at Wake Forest. He then returned home to start his career in athletics with OU in 2009. Between 2009 and 2014, he served as assistant director of athletics development and associate director of athletics development before leaving for North Carolina.

The stint with North Carolina was brief before Selmon again returned to OU, this time as senior associate athletic director and chief of operations. He served in various roles with OU before leaving in 2023 for his first AD gig with Mississippi State.

The Selmon name already has legend status at Oklahoma. Selmon is the son of OU great Dewey Selmon and nephew of fellow OU legends Lee Roy and Lucious. All played in the NFL after successful careers as Sooners.

Once the news about Castiglione's retirement broke Monday morning, Mississippi State fans who knew anything about their athletic director's background immediately feared what could be next as the Sooners need a new leader.

However, as the Sooners start a nationwide search, Mississippi State doesn't have the only nervous fan base.

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