Missouri State Hires SMU Offensive Coordinator Casey Woods as Head Football Coach

In a swift and strategic move that signals ambition for its fledgling FBS program, Missouri State University announced on December 19, 2025, the hiring of Casey Woods as its 23rd head football coach. The 42-year-old Woods, fresh off four highly successful seasons as offensive coordinator and chief of staff at SMU, replaces Ryan Beard, who departed for Coastal Carolina earlier in the month. Woods signed a five-year contract, with an introductory news conference scheduled for January 5, 2026, at Great Southern Bank Arena in Springfield.

This hire comes at a pivotal moment for the Bears, who just completed their inaugural FBS season in Conference USA with a 7-5 regular-season record, earning a berth in the Xbox Bowl—their first-ever bowl appearance. Despite a 34-28 loss to Arkansas State in that game on December 18, the program’s momentum remains strong, built on the foundation laid by Bobby Petrino and continued under Beard. Woods, praised universally for his offensive acumen and recruiting prowess, is tasked with sustaining and accelerating that upward trajectory.

The Timing and Context of the Hire

Missouri State’s coaching search unfolded rapidly after Beard’s departure on December 11, 2025. Athletic director Patrick Ransdell moved decisively, identifying Woods as the top target amid a carousel of offseason moves across college football. Reports emerged on December 18—hours before the Xbox Bowl—that a deal was nearing completion, with ESPN’s Pete Thamel first breaking the news of a five-year agreement pending board approval.

The Board of Governors approved the contract the following morning, making it official just one day after the Bears’ bowl defeat. Interim coach Nick Petrino (son of Bobby Petrino) handled the bowl preparations, allowing Woods to finish his commitments at SMU, including coaching in the Holiday Bowl against Arizona on January 2, 2026.

Ransdell emphasized the need for a leader attuned to the demands of FBS transition: “We are thrilled to welcome Casey Woods as our next head football coach. He is going to continue our upward trajectory with an unwavering commitment to developing student-athletes on and off the field. His ability to develop offensive talent and recruit top-level talent will make him an ideal fit for Missouri State.”

University President Dr. Richard W. Williams added: “Coach Casey Woods is exactly that leader. His energy, experience, and commitment to excellence position our football program for sustained success.”

Casey Woods: Background and Coaching Pedigree

Born May 15, 1983, in Mississippi, Woods is the son of Sparky Woods, a longtime college coach who led Appalachian State and South Carolina. Casey played wide receiver at Tennessee from 2002-2006, appearing in 41 games before transitioning to coaching.

His coaching journey began as a graduate assistant at Tennessee (2008), followed by offensive quality control roles at Auburn (2009-11), where he contributed to the 2010 national championship under Gene Chizik and Gus Malzahn. He briefly served as wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator at Arkansas State (2012), helping win a Sun Belt title, before returning to Auburn as director of player personnel (2013-15), overseeing three top-10 recruiting classes.

Woods then spent three seasons at UAB (2017-19) as run game coordinator, tight ends coach, and recruiting coordinator, playing a key role in the Blazers’ resurgence under Bill Clark, including an 11-3 record and Conference USA championship in 2018.

From 2020-21, he was tight ends coach and recruiting coordinator at Missouri under Eli Drinkwitz, landing a top-10 national class in his final year and gaining valuable in-state experience—just 2.5 hours from Springfield.

In December 2021, Woods reunited with Rhett Lashlee (a former Auburn colleague) at SMU as offensive coordinator, tight ends coach, and chief of staff. Over four seasons, he orchestrated one of the nation’s most explosive attacks:

• 2022: 7-6 record; ranked 14th in total offense (472.8 ypg), 12th in scoring (37.2 ppg).
• 2023: 11-3; AAC champions; program records in yards and first downs.
• 2024: 11-2 regular season; ACC runners-up; first-ever College Football Playoff berth.
• 2025: 8-4; strong passing offense (11th nationally at 283.5 ypg).

SMU won 37 games during his tenure, transitioning seamlessly from the AAC to the ACC. Lashlee raved about the hire: “Missouri State won the hiring cycle this offseason by making Casey Woods their head coach. Casey is a winner, a relentless worker, and a great leader. He will represent the school, state, and alumni with the ultimate integrity and class.”

Woods’ offenses balanced passing and rushing, adapting to multiple quarterbacks and running backs while consistently ranking in the top 40 in yards per play.

Why Woods Fits Missouri State Perfectly

Missouri State’s elevation to FBS in 2025 required a coach who understands high-level competition, recruiting in talent-rich regions, and building explosive offenses to compete in Conference USA.

Woods checks every box:

• Offensive Expertise: Bears fans, accustomed to Bobby Petrino’s air-it-out schemes, will enjoy Woods’ up-tempo, vertical attack. SMU’s success mirrors what Missouri State aspires to—scoring in bunches against power-conference foes.
• Recruiting Ties: His Missouri stint gives him deep connections in the state, plus experience in the Southeast (Tennessee, Auburn, Arkansas State, UAB). As a proven recruiter, he landed elite classes and can tap Texas, Missouri, and Midwest pipelines.
• Program-Building Experience: From Auburn’s championship staff to UAB’s reboot and SMU’s Power Four ascent, Woods has thrived in transitional environments—ideal for a program solidifying its FBS footing.
• Personal Fit: At 42, Woods brings youthful energy and family values (wife Lauren; children Waverly, Sawyer, Adaline, Amelia, Savannah). His statement upon hiring resonated: “It is the honor of my lifetime to have the opportunity to be the head football coach of the Missouri State Bears. We will hit the ground running as we seek to capitalize off the current momentum.”

Notably, Woods coached against Missouri State in September 2025, when SMU won 28-10 at Plaster Stadium. The teams have a return game scheduled in Dallas next fall.

Reactions from the College Football World

The hire drew widespread acclaim:

• Analysts praised Missouri State’s aggressiveness in landing a rising star who had been linked to other openings (e.g., UAB, Troy).
• SMU players and staff expressed bittersweet sentiments, recognizing Woods’ promotion as deserved.
• Former colleagues like Drinkwitz and Malzahn indirectly endorsed through shared connections.
• Local media in Springfield hailed it as a “home run,” emphasizing continuity in offensive philosophy post-Petrino era.

Critics? Few. Some wondered if Woods, in his first head job, might face growing pains, but his extensive coordinator experience mitigates that.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Woods inherits a roster with momentum but turnover risks via the portal. Retaining key players from the 7-6 (including bowl) 2025 team will be priority one.

Conference USA remains winnable, with Liberty and Jacksonville State as primary contenders. A bowl repeat in 2026 would solidify progress; a conference title push isn’t far-fetched with Woods’ track record.

Off-field, enhanced NIL support and facility upgrades (Plaster Stadium renovations) provide tools for success.

Staff assembly will be intriguing—will he retain Petrino family members? Bring SMU assistants? His Missouri ties could lure familiar faces.

Broader Implications in the Coaching Carousel

This hire capped a busy December, with Missouri State acting faster than many Power Four programs. It underscores Group of Five schools targeting proven coordinators from rising powers like SMU.

For SMU, losing Woods forces Lashlee to replace a key lieutenant ahead of 2026.

Looking Forward: A Bright Future in Springfield

Casey Woods’ arrival energizes Bear Nation. From FCS contender under Petrino to FBS bowl team under Beard, Missouri State now has a coach poised to elevate further—perhaps to consistent contention and beyond.

As Woods said: “It takes us all to win. It takes us all to recruit. Let’s get to work. Go Bears!”

With explosive offense, strong recruiting, and proven leadership, the Casey Woods era promises excitement for Missouri State football.