WEATHERFORD, Okla. – Southwestern Oklahoma State University Head Football Coach Josh Kirkland has announced his resignation, effective immediately, having accepted an NCAA Division I opportunity at the University of North Texas.
"Coach Kirkland has laid a strong foundation for SWOSU Football during his tenure here on the Hilltop," said SWOSU President Dr. Diane Lovell. "We thank him and wish him all the best and look forward to upholding the high standards of excellence which he set for the SWOSU Football Program."
Kirkland was named SWOSU's 23rd head coach on December 15, 2021. He recently completed his first full year in Weatherford and helped lead the Bulldogs to a 4-7 record – representing a four-win turnaround from the 2021 season.
"I want to thank Dr. Lovell, Coach Helton, and all the alumni that welcomed my family and I to Weatherford this past year and gave me a chance," said Kirkland. "This is truly a bittersweet opportunity for our family, but as much as we love SWOSU it's a life changing career move that we felt we had to take. We will absolutely miss both the SWOSU and Weatherford communities."
The Bulldogs saw many improvements in the Great American Conference in 2022. SWOSU ranked second in the GAC in passing offense, which included the overall leader in total offense at quarterback and three wide receivers who finished in the top-10 in yardage. On defense the Bulldogs were home to the league leader in tackles and finished tied for first in sacks and second in interceptions.
"We would like to thank Coach Kirkland for all he has contributed to the SWOSU Football program and wish he and his family the best," said SWOSU Athletic Director Todd Helton. "We are excited to announce Ruzell McCoy as the Interim Head Coach for SWOSU Football. Coach McCoy is a Bulldog through and through who has done an outstanding job as both an assistant and coordinator at SWOSU since 2019. We are confident he is ready and able to continue the momentum we have built in the football program."
McCoy was elevated to SWOSU's Defensive Coordinator in 2022 and has been on the coaching staff since 2019 after spending his first three years as the Defensive Line Coach. He is no stranger to Weatherford as a former All-American who played for the Bulldogs from 2005-08. His name appears in multiple categories of the program's defensive record book including ranking third in both career tackles and tackles for loss.
"First off, I'd like to thank Coach Helton, Dr. Lovell, and all of the administration for supporting me to lead this program," said McCoy. "SWOSU is a special place that my family and I hold dear to our hearts. I am prepared for the challenge ahead and am ready to get to work building a team based on trust, enthusiasm, accountability, and mindset."
McCoy brings over 10 years of coaching experience, six as a defensive coordinator, with stops at Highland Community College, Coffeyville Community College, McPherson College, and Ellsworth Community College before finally returning to his alma mater in 2019.
A native of Frederick, Okla., McCoy holds a pair of degrees from SWOSU – a bachelor's degree in Parks & Recreation and master's degree in Sports Management. He resides in Weatherford with his wife, Sara, and their three children: Kynna, Trey and Zella.
