Oklahoma State coach apologizes to neighbors after 2:30 a.m. armadillo showdown

Oklahoma State football coach Eric Morris apologized to his neighbors after he shot and killed an armadillo that was damaging his property. Morris, who was hired to revamp the struggling Stillwater football program, revealed the incident to reporters on Tuesday. Struggling to sleep, Morris decided to investigate the problem at 2:30 a.m. on a recent occasion, ultimately confronting the armadillo that had been tearing up his lawn and flower beds.

In dispatching the armadillo, Morris gave new meaning to the popular slogan and hand gesture used by Oklahoma State fans and teams. The incident marked the first time Morris had encountered the armored mammal, which had been causing significant damage to his property. After taking care of the problem, Morris sent a text message to his neighbors, apologizing for the gunshot. While it was legal for him to remove the armadillo in his rural area, Morris ensured the animal was no longer a threat to his yard.

Oklahoma State, coming off a 1-11 season, begins its 2026 season schedule on September 5 against Tulsa. Morris, who went 22-16 in three seasons at North Texas, replaced long-time Cowboys coach Mike Gundy, who was fired in September 2022.