OU Board of Regents will discuss several major athletics initiatives, including a $5 million facility refresh inside Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, updates to ticket policies and football staff promotions at its meeting Tuesday.
According to the agenda, the university is requesting a $5 million stadium refresh that would include upgrades to the Red Room, OU football’s team meeting and media space, with new seating, lighting, graphics, and audio-visual systems. The Players’ Lounge would receive updated furniture, improved functionality and graphics.
OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. has proposed that the university seek state approval to issue up to $420 million in bonds to fund athletic projects as part of broader campus improvements. A portion of the funds would go toward stadium master plan updates and modernizing facilities for players and staff.
The board will also consider the approval of two new football coaches hired in February. Running backs coach Deland McCullough, who spent last season with the Las Vegas Raiders and has three years of NFL coaching experience, will be considered for board approval. LaMar Morgan, OU’s new cornerbacks coach, joins OU after two seasons mentoring defensive backs at Michigan, and will also be considered for approval.
The board will review a title change and pay increase for football staff member Xavier Brewer, who would move from senior analyst to assistant coach, with an annual salary increase from just over $109,000 to $250,000.
This comes with a recent trend of salary increases for OU athletics personnel. In the most recent meeting on Jan. 30, the Board of Regents approved 10 salary increases for various members of OU football staff.
The board will see multiple private donations to OU athletics reported by the OU Foundation, including:
• $2.5 million from the McCasland Foundation
• $1 million from Mark and Kim Parry
• Two anonymous donations of $1.5 million and $1 million
The board will also consider revisions to the athletics donor seating program, expanding its scope from including only football and men’s basketball donations to encompass all athletic programs.
Revenue from donor seating, including suites, club seats and premium seating, would support the athletics department and student-athlete services, covering areas such as academics, medical care, recruiting, team travel and facility improvements.
This story was edited by Natalie Armour.
