Mike Gundy’s 21 seasons with the Cowboys came to an abrupt end after a 1-2 start to the 2025 season. Even though Gundy had publicly committed to stay through the season, the administration decided to make a change to reset a program that had fallen from national relevance to near the bottom of the Big 12. In the wake of the firing, Oklahoma State swiftly appointed offensive coordinator Doug Meacham as interim head coach. Meacham is a familiar face with deep roots in Cowboy football.

Before coming back to Stillwater as OC in December 2024, Meacham made a name for himself as a savvy offensive coach at eight schools, including TCU and Kansas. Additionally, he coached some top-notch talent, including TCU’s JP Richardson and OSU’s own Josh Stewart, molding receivers into stars. Meacham’s offenses have a clear pattern of producing big numbers and breaking records. The Cowboys’ offensive line this season has been a mixed bag under Meacham. It’s still a work in progress, but Rodney Fields Jr., the team’s leading rusher with 143 yards, has shown what a stronger line can do.

Zane Flores leads with 417 passing yards, and the line’s ability to hold pressure gives him time to find targets like Terrill Davis, who tops the receiving charts with 115 yards.

Doug Meacham’s early life and playing career at Oklahoma State

Doug Meacham’s story with Oklahoma State didn’t start in the coaching room. Hailing from Arlington, Texas, Meacham made a name for himself at Sam Houston High as a three-year starter before heading to Stillwater in the early ’80s to become a Cowboy. From 1983 to 1987, he was a rock on Oklahoma State’s offensive line, starting 35 games in a row. Along the way, he helped clear paths for legends like Barry Sanders, the 1988 Heisman winner. And also Thurman Thomas, a two-time Big Eight Player of the Year.

And guess what? Both of whom went on to Hall of Fame NFL careers. Meacham earned respect, too. He grabbed All-Big Eight honors and led the team as captain of the 1987 Sun Bowl squad that scored a big win over West Virginia.

Doug Meacham’s coaching career and offensive success

Doug Meacham’s journey kicked off after his Oklahoma State playing days. He moved from a grad assistant in the late ’80s to coaching at schools across the country. A big chunk of his resume is his success as an offensive coordinator at eight different FBS and lower-division schools. That includes powerhouses like TCU, Houston, and Kansas. In his one season with Houston, the Cougars rolled up 419 yards and 33.2 points per game on offense.

The highlights? During his first stint at TCU from 2014-16, Meacham turned the Horned Frogs into national leaders in total offense and passing. TCU put up 40+ points in eight of 13 games, averaging 42 per game. The Horned Frogs ranked third in the nation with 562.8 yards per game and eighth in passing with 347.4. The 2014 team went from average to unstoppable, smashing 26 school offensive records, winning the Big 12, and blowing out the Peach Bowl. He even made it as a Broyles Award finalist. Talk about experience!

Doug Meacham’s awards and achievements in college football

Doug Meacham is not one of those people whose services are not credited. His accolades are one for the history books. During his playing time at OSU, he earned All-Big Eight honors and served as captain of the 1987 Sun Bowl team. But let’s not forget his stint at TCU. It was one of the best in the nation. In fact, he became a finalist for the Broyles Award, which goes to the top assistant coach in college football.

And he isn’t the one to taste success alone. Meacham even helped players achieve numerous accolades. We have JP Richardson’s All-Big 12 honors, and the NFL-ready development of TCU stars like Derius Davis and Taye Barber. This, in turn, highlights Meacham’s ability to elevate skills within his offensive system. Similarly, during his previous stint at OSU, he coached Josh Stewart to a standout sophomore season with 101 catches and 1210 yards. These ranks put Stewart in company with Cowboy greats like Blackmon and Dez Bryant.

Doug Meacham’s net worth, salary, and career earnings

Let’s talk finances. At 60, Doug Meacham signed a three-year deal with the Cowboys worth $3.4M. He has a base salary of $1 million in 2025, $1.1 million in 2026, and $1.3 million in 2027. Plus, he will get $10000 if OSU wins the Big 12 Championship. But at TCU, Meacham’s pay was a little less. Meacham’s salary was around $520,000, and earlier at Oklahoma State, he earned in the mid-$200,000 to $300,000 range as an assistant. This jump to a million-dollar base salary shows just how much OSU values his experience and offensive ingenuity.

Doug Meacham’s wife and children

Doug Meacham is a family man, too. He and his wife, Kendall Deas Meacham, have built a tight-knit crew with their three children: Peyton, Cole, and Brooks. He often maintains a very personal life and is not that media savvy when talking about his family.

Final thoughts on Doug Meacham’s legacy and coaching philosophy

Doug Meacham is now facing a full-circle moment as he was named OSU’s interim HC for this season. His almost 40-year coaching career as an assistant and offensive coordinator, especially in the Big 12, ignites an optimistic feeling in the Cowboys fans. Meacham’s role is kind of like hitting the “reset” button after Gundy’s exit. Fans can expect his offense to reflect a familiar style, given his long tenure in Stillwater. And considering that fact, did you know that there was another candidate alongside Meacham for the temporary job? It was indeed the OSU DC, Todd Grantham.

But Meacham’s solid experience earned him the job over Grantham. But now it’s an audition for Meacham. His temporary coaching gig can become permanent on the basis of how he handles things this season. A big bowl game could change the story, but either way, Meacham’s time in the spotlight is the next chapter in this longtime Cowboy’s journey.