Introduction
Eric Morris has emerged as one of the most respected young coaches in college football — once a nimble receiver at Texas Tech Red Raiders, now a head coach turning heads with high-powered offenses. From his playing days to coaching stints across multiple programs, Morris’s journey is a testament to his football acumen, work ethic, and offensive vision. In this article, we dive into his biography, coaching path, salary and contract details, personal life, and clarify his relation to another coach, Chad Morris.
Early Life & Playing Career
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Born: October 26, 1985, in Littlefield, Texas.
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In high school at Shallowater (Texas), Morris was a standout athlete, excelling in both football and basketball under the guidance of his father, who coached high school basketball.
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He joined the Texas Tech Red Raiders and played from 2004–2008 under coach Mike Leach.
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As a receiver and punt returner, his stats included nearly 2,000 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns over his collegiate career.
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For his senior year, he earned All-Big 12 Second Team honors as a punt returner, and was named Academic All-Big 12 in 2007.
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His official listed playing height and weight: 5-8 (5 feet 8 inches) and approximately 178 lbs.
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After college, Morris had a brief stint in the Canadian Football League, signing with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2009. He was released in 2010 after dressing for only a handful of games.
Those years shaped Morris not just as a player, but as someone well-versed in the offensive style of “Air Raid” football — a background that would later define his coaching career.
Coaching Career: From Graduate Assistant to Head Coach
Eric Morris’s coaching journey is both swift and impressive:
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2010–2011: Began at the Houston Cougars — first as a quality control assistant (2010), then as a graduate assistant (2011).
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2012: Moved to the Washington State Cougars as inside wide receivers coach under Mike Leach.
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2013–2017: Returned to his alma mater Texas Tech as co-offensive coordinator / inside-WR coach in 2013, then full offensive coordinator / WR coach in 2014–2017.
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Under his guidance, in 2015 Texas Tech’s offense was ranked 2nd in the nation in both total yardage and scoring.
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He coached future NFL talent, helped engineer prolific offenses led by standout players such as Patrick Mahomes (among others).
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2018–2021: Took his first head coaching role at Incarnate Word Cardinals (FCS level). He led the program to two Southland Conference titles (2018, 2021) and was named Southland Coach of the Year twice, plus AFCA Regional Coach of the Year in 2018.
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2022: Served as offensive coordinator / quarterbacks coach at Washington State (back to FBS).
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2023–2025: Became head coach of North Texas Mean Green. Under him, the offense soared — producing top-tier passing and total offense national rankings.
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2026 onward (announced): He is set to become head coach at Oklahoma State Cowboys, following the 2025 season.
Throughout, Morris has built a reputation as an offensive-minded play-caller, especially adept at quarterback development and Air Raid–style offenses.
Salary & Contract — What We Know
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In 2023, Morris signed a five-year contract when he took over as head coach at North Texas, with a base salary of USD 900,000 per year, along with guaranteed incentives.
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His total compensation in that first season reportedly reached about USD 1.3 million.
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According to recent salary tables (2025), his total pay as North Texas head coach is USD 1.4 million, which includes retention bonuses for staying through certain dates.
Given his hiring by Oklahoma State (for 2026), his compensation package may change — though official terms have not yet been publicly disclosed.
Personal Life: Height, Family, and Where He’s From
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As noted, his playing size was 5’8″, 178 lbs. Despite being undersized by typical wide receiver standards, Morris proved his worth with agility, smarts, and toughness.
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Off the field, Morris is married to his wife, Maggie.
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They have two sons (named Nicholas and George) — family life remains private and low-key, reflecting Morris’s reputation as humble and grounded.
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Morris hails from Littlefield, Texas, grew up in Shallowater, and attended Shallowater High School.
From such modest beginnings to nationwide coaching recognition — his personal journey is as inspiring as his on-field results.
Is Eric Morris Related to Chad Morris?
Short answer: No — there is no known familial relation between Eric Morris and Chad Morris.
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While they share the same surname and are both involved in American football coaching, publicly available biographical information does not link them as relatives.
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Chad Morris has his own separate background: born in 1968 in Edgewood, Texas; his career includes high school coaching in Texas, and later college coaching stints at schools such as SMU Mustangs and the Arkansas Razorbacks.
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Their coaching trees, careers, and personal histories do not overlap in a way that suggests a family tie.
So despite similar last names and shared profession, there’s no credible evidence to indicate a relation.
Legacy & Coaching Philosophy: What Makes Eric Morris Stand Out
Here’s what defines Morris’s coaching identity:
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Air-Raid / Spread Offense Expertise: His background as a player under Mike Leach and later as an offensive coordinator at Texas Tech instilled in him a strong proclivity for high-tempo, pass-oriented offenses. This style has carried through all of his coaching roles.
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Quarterback Development: Morris has built a reputation as a “QB guru.” For example, he coached Cameron Ward at Washington State, and at North Texas helped shape young QBs into high-producing passers.
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Offensive Production Consistency: Programs coached by Morris have repeatedly ranked near the top nationally in total offense, passing offense, and scoring. At Texas Tech, for instance, his offenses from 2013–2017 consistently ranked among the nation’s top 16 in total offense.
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Adaptable Leadership: He has coached at multiple levels — from graduate assistant to FCS head coach, FBS coordinator, and now FBS head coach — showing willingness to build, rebuild, and adapt. His quick ascension underscores his competence and respect in coaching circles.
With his upcoming role at Oklahoma State, many expect him to bring his offensive flair and quarterback-friendly schemes to a larger stage — potentially shaping the next chapter of his coaching legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is Eric Morris’s height and weight?
A: He is listed as 5 feet 8 inches tall and approximately 178 pounds during his playing days at Texas Tech.
Q: What is his current job and contract status?
A: As of 2025, Eric Morris is head coach of the North Texas Mean Green. He signed a five-year deal in 2023 with a base salary of USD 900,000 per year, and total pay (including bonuses) has reached around USD 1.3–1.4 million.
He is slated to become head coach at Oklahoma State University starting 2026.
Q: Who is his wife, and does he have children?
A: His wife is Maggie Morris. They have two sons together, named Nicholas and George.
Q: Is he related to Chad Morris?
A: No. Despite sharing the surname and profession, there is no publicly available evidence showing any political or familial relation between Eric Morris and Chad Morris. Their families, backgrounds, and coaching careers are distinct.
Q: What coaching style is Eric Morris known for?
A: Morris is known for his offensive, Air-Raid/spread style, prioritizing high-powered passing attacks and quarterback development. His offenses frequently rank among the top in total offense, passing offense, and scoring nationally.
Conclusion
Eric Morris’s journey — from a modest-sized wide receiver at Texas Tech to a respected head coach — is inspiring. His deep understanding of offense, quarterback development, and adaptability across college football levels have made him one of the more dynamic young coaches in the game.
As he prepares to take the reins at Oklahoma State, all eyes will be on how his offensive philosophy translates in a new environment, and whether he can continue to build on his growing legacy.
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