Glenn Spencer’s Move to the Coaches Box Could be Permanent

Oklahoma State was missing some sideline flair on Saturday against the Horns. And no, Mike Gundy didn’t cut his mullet. The always animated Glenn Spencer, who coordinates Oklahoma State’s defense, moved from the sideline to the booth for the Longhorns for the first time this season. A move that was made by Mike Gundy after the Cowboy defense was gashed a week ago in Waco to the tune of 387 yards through the air and nine plays of more than 30 yards.

“With the style of play that we see in this league,it’s much easier to get a feel for what the offense is doing if you look down and see it,” Gundy said after the Cowboys win on Saturday.

Through the first half on Saturday, though, it was Spencer with an aerial view of his defense giving up a number of big plays that gave up 25 points at the half.

Perhaps the biggest benefit from his birds eye view was his ability to see things unfold from a high-level perspective. If so, it certainly worked. Oklahoma State’s defense tightened up in the second half, allowing just 6 second half points.

“It’s a lot more calm,” Spencer said of his new view in the box. “There are advantages and disadvantages to both and an argument for either. Last week (at Baylor) with so much going with personnel, Coach (Gundy) said let’s get you up there and see if you can see better and you can. You can see things better. I have to have confidence in my guys on the sideline thought, for the emotional part. They have to keep the juice up.”

Although Spencer’s exuberant personality will surely be missed, the move to the box could be a permanent one if the results continue.

On if the move was permanent for him, Spencer thinks it likely will be. “If I had to guess, we’re 1-0 right now so yes. Coach (Gundy) is right, it was his idea because a couple times last week I was bumping into people and it was chaotic. But, you give up something for more advantages.”