Doug Meacham's Controversial Return to Oklahoma State as Offensive Coordinator

The news of Doug Meacham's return to Oklahoma State University as the team's offensive coordinator has sparked a wave of mixed reactions. While some fans and analysts believe that the experienced coach can revitalize the Cowboys' struggling offense, others have expressed concerns about his past controversies.

Meacham's Accomplishments and Dismissal

Doug Meacham has a proven track record as an offensive coordinator. At TCU, he helped lead the Horned Frogs to three Big 12 Championships and a national championship appearance in 2014. He also spent time as the offensive coordinator at Vanderbilt and Kansas.

However, Meacham's tenure at Oklahoma State abruptly ended in 2016 when he was fired for what was described as "philosophical differences" with head coach Mike Gundy. Rumors of clashes with players and assistant coaches also circulated.

Differing Perspectives on Meacham's Return

Opinions on Meacham's return to Oklahoma State vary widely.

Supporters argue that Meacham is a talented coach who can bring innovation and success to the offense. They point to his track record at TCU and his familiarity with the Big 12 Conference.

Critics, on the other hand, are concerned about the baggage that Meacham brings with him. They cite his previous dismissal from Oklahoma State and his reputation for conflicts with players and coaches. They also worry that his offensive schemes may not be the right fit for the Cowboys' current personnel.

Data and Analysis

The data on Meacham's coaching performance is mixed. At TCU, his offenses were consistently among the most productive in the nation. At Vanderbilt and Kansas, however, his offenses struggled to find success.

It is difficult to predict with certainty how Meacham will fare at Oklahoma State. His success or failure will likely depend on a number of factors, including the players he has available, the support he receives from the coaching staff, and his ability to adapt to the team's strengths and weaknesses.

Comparison to Other High-Profile Coaching Hires

Meacham's return to Oklahoma State is reminiscent of other recent high-profile coaching hires that have generated controversy.

Coach	Team	Year	Reason for Controversy
Scott Frost	Nebraska	2018	Left UCF undefeated for a less prestigious job
Willie Taggart	Florida State	2018	Underperformed at Oregon
Steve Sarkisian	Texas	2021	Previous misconduct at USC

Like these other coaches, Meacham has a history of success and controversy. Whether he can overcome his past and lead Oklahoma State to success remains to be seen.

Conclusion

The return of Doug Meacham to Oklahoma State as offensive coordinator is a complex and controversial issue. Supporters point to his past accomplishments, while critics express concerns about his dismissal from the program and his reputation for conflicts.

It is too early to say definitively whether Meacham will be a successful coach at Oklahoma State. His success or failure will depend on a number of factors, including the players he has available, the support he receives from the coaching staff, and his ability to adapt to the team's strengths and weaknesses.

The broader implications of Meacham's return are also worth considering. It raises questions about the role of past controversies in coaching hires and how universities should balance the desire for success with the need for accountability.

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