Legendary OSU Wrestling Coach John Smith Announces Retirement
Oklahoma State's winningest wrestling coach announced his retirement after more than three decades.
John Smith, Oklahoma State’s legendary wrestling coach, is calling it a career.
After 33 years coaching OSU wrestling, Smith announced his retirement on Thursday. OSU’s wrestling icon led the Cowboys to an abundance of success.
As the leader of one of college sports’ most storied programs, Smith helped the Cowboys win five team NCAA championships and 33 individual championships.
Smith’s numbers, including a 490-73-6 dual record and 153 All-America honors, make him one of the best coaches in college wrestling history. After another impressive season in 2024, Smith’s retirement puts OSU in an unfamiliar spot.
OSU athletic director Chad Weiberg recently finished a lengthy search for a new men’s basketball coach and could soon begin the search for the Cowboys’ next wrestling coach, with Coleman Scott serving as interim wrestling coach.
"Coach Smith is a hero and truly the greatest of all time," Weiberg said. "John has dedicated his life's work to Oklahoma State University, Cowboy Wrestling and the sport. Although the decision comes with much emotion for him and for us, he felt the time was right to retire. Because we have so much respect for him, we will respect his decision and honor and celebrate his exceptional contributions and loyalty to Oklahoma State. John will continue to support the program as a lifelong Cowboy and due to his efforts, we know great things are yet to come for Cowboy Wrestling."
Along with his incredible coaching tenure that spanned more than three decades, Smith had one of the best careers of any American wrestler. His honors as a wrestler included gold medals in the 1988 and 1992 Olympics, plus two individual championships at OSU.
"It has been an honor to coach for more than 32 years at the same institution," Smith said. "I can't even begin to tell you what Oklahoma State has done for me, my wife, my immediate family and brothers and sisters who all graduated from OSU. My journey started at age 17 here at Oklahoma State and it has allowed me to accomplish everything I ever wanted."
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