Oklahoma State Basketball: 10 candidates to replace Mike Boynton as Head Coach

Paul Mills

Remember that it’s important to leave no stone unturned in coaching searches. That was certainly the case for Illinois when they poached Underwood from these Cowboys seven seasons ago. Many didn’t expect him to depart from Oklahoma State after just a single season, which is why we’re including a sensible name on this list that’s also just one year into a head coaching stint.

Mills is one of those long-term Baylor assistants who spent a number of years under Scott Drew rebuilding the Bears basketball program. A native of Houston, he had previously been just a high school coach before that long run in Waco. Mills’ first head coaching experience came at Oral Roberts, where he coached Max Abmas and Kevin Obanor to the Sweet Sixteen as a 15-seed in 2021. Mills then accepted the Wichita State job this past offseason, tying for tenth in his first season with the Shockers.

Not only does Mills know the area well, he had great success at nearby Oral Roberts and has been a winner in the state. We’re not sure if he’d be willing to leave after a single season at Wichita State, but the Cowboys would certainly make it worth his while. He built a special team at Oral Roberts and could certainly do even more with the resources at Oklahoma State, even compared to what the Shockers can offer. It’s all about interest, especially with Wichita State’s less than stellar record this season.