By: Zach Davis (@AssuredFame)
I had a chance to sit down with new Oklahoma State AD Logan Mitchell to talk about the future of this program, the past of Tennessee, and much more. Here is the interview:
Question: What motivated you to return to the AD ranks and take over Oklahoma State at this point in your career?
Logan: Oklahoma State is my home. Born and raised a die-hard Poke there was no question in my mind that this is the program for me. I feel like at this point in my career I’m ready and the team is ready for me to take the helm and continue the legacy of the Cowboys in the CFSL.
Q: Since stepping down, how have you seen the game evolve, and how do you plan to adapt your coaching strategies to fit the ever-evolving CFSL?
Logan: The rapid change over the past 3-4 seasons to not only diversify the game plans but player creation as well. Gone are your “steroid monsters” especially on the front 7 of defense that allows the run game to develop more and more as time goes on. On the inverse, the secondary hasn’t seen that nerf so while passing will always be a viable option you do have to incorporate the run game now to open up those deep passes without three 99 OVR monsters at WR.
Zach: Can you share your vision for Oklahoma State’s future under your leadership and the key areas you’ll be focusing on to ensure success?
Logan: Oklahoma State under Houston (OKST56) and Adam (thatguy) was a phenomenal program to be a part of. They both captured the Cowboy essence to a tee and I’m excited to continue that legacy. Success is a twofold monster. You have to not only produce on the field but [also] produce a product in the locker room that keeps your team motivated and engaged. My vision for Oklahoma State is just that, continue it being a fun and exciting experience for the players in the locker room while also winning it all on the field. We will be back in that title game and don’t be surprised if it’s sooner rather than later.
Zach: Reflecting on your previous AD tenure, what lessons have you learned that you believe will be pivotal in making a positive impact in this new chapter?
Logan: Tennessee was a wild roller coaster, it taught me a lot and it taught it real quickly. The biggest lessons unfortunately came in the form of self-reflection after the fact. With the help of some absolutely fantastic ADs after my tenure came to a close I was able to learn what I was doing right and what I was doing wrong. They instilled confidence in those areas [where] I was right and helped bolster the areas I was weak. Game planning has evolved to a new level for me and on the recruitment side I’ve completely restructured how I approach and handle it. To all the guys at Tenn who believed in me and wanted to stick it out, keep watch cause this is going to be an exciting new chapter.
Zach: Considering the expectations and pressures that come with leading a premier program, how do you plan to build your team’s mentality and culture to meet those challenges?
Logan: From zero to hero huh? Feels like that’s where we’re at. The pressure is massive to come home to one of the greatest programs in CFSL history but if anyone is up to the task at hand it’s me. The culture is the heart of this program and has been since its debut in the league and that is going to continue. We bring in the best players to have fun and win together. “You build it and they will come” Continue this great locker room atmosphere that’s always been present in Stillwater and do my job to put our players in the best position to win. Cowboy Culture is winning and that’s exactly what we’re going to do. The Big 12 championship is coming home to Stillwater.
Zach: Awesome! Last question. As you embark on this new journey, what message do you have for the CFSL about what they can expect from the team under your guidance?
Logan: I’m just going to throw a quote from T. Boone Pickens he said after the 2017 Bedlam game “The best is yet to come”
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LoganM’s return to Oklahoma State as the AD is fueled by his passion for the program and the confidence in his ability to lead the Cowboys to success in the ever-changing landscape of the CFSL. His commitment to maintaining a winning culture and fostering camaraderie within the team reflects the essence of Cowboy pride. Congratulations again, Logan, and thank you for sharing your vision and dedication with us.
