Oklahoma has hired Michigan’s defensive backs coach and pass-game coordinator Lamar Morgan to lead the Sooners’ secondary, adding experience to Brent Venables’ aggressive defensive plan.

Morgan brings a broad coaching background, with previous roles at Vanderbilt, Houston, Louisiana-Lafayette, ULM, Western Carolina, and a stint at Michigan that included exposure to Sherrone Moore’s defense and the AFCA 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute in 2018.

The move is framed as part of a broader strategic push in a high-stakes playoff race, where both programs are aiming to solidify postseason eligibility.

Morgan mentored standout players like two-time All-Big Ten defensive back Zeke Berry and demonstrated tactical acumen in big games, including a 2025 win over Oklahoma that saw Michigan limit Oklahoma QB John Mateer to 21 of 34 for 270 yards, one TD and one INT.

Michigan and Oklahoma are heading into a pivotal home-and-home series, with outcomes potentially impacting both teams’ playoff hopes.

Oklahoma is set to visit Michigan in Ann Arbor on September 12 after a 24–13 win for Oklahoma in Norman the previous season.

The 2026 schedule could feature a Week 2 matchup in Ann Arbor, providing a marquee test against Morgan’s former program if the hire is finalized.

Under Morgan, cornerback Will Johnson earned second-team All-America and second-team All-Big Ten honors, contributing five pass breakups and two pick-sixes in six games.

Oklahoma’s cornerbacks, including Eli Bowen and Courtland Guillory, are a strength, and the defense posted solid pass defense metrics, suggesting Morgan could elevate the unit further.

Last season’s defensive metrics showed strong pass defense—lower yards per attempt, favorable opponent completion rate, and solid pass efficiency allowed—providing a foundation for Morgan’s influence.

The hire aligns with Venables’ philosophy of aggressive, physical secondary play, targeting improvements in a middling 2025 pass defense.

Morgan will coach a secondary that already includes rising talents and transfer influxes, with four new portal additions and four freshmen in the mix.