Report: Bryan Nardo Being Targeted to Join Charlotte’s Staff

It looks like former Oklahoma State defensive coordinator Bryan Nardo is going to land on his feet.

FootballScoop reported Monday morning that Nardo is being targeted to join Tim Albin’s staff at Charlotte after spending the past two seasons in Stillwater. Nardo was part of a ton of staff turnover in Stillwater this past season after the Cowboys went 3-9.

Charlotte hired Albin away from Ohio this offseason after he turned in three straight double-digit win seasons for the Bobcats. He, according to FootballScoop, is bringing defensive coordinator Nate Faanes with him from Ohio. Nardo’s targeted role at Charlotte is unclear, as of writing.

Mike Gundy and OSU grabbed Nardo from the Division-II ranks ahead of the 2023 season after Nardo had success with his 3-3-5 scheme at Gannon University. Nardo has also coached at Youngstown State (linebackers), Emporia State (defensive coordinator/linebackers) and had a stint as a graduate assistant at Ohio back from 2008 to 2010. Albin was the Bobcats’ offensive coordinator and running backs coach back then.

This isn’t the first time OSU and Charlotte have been linked this offseason, as the Cowboys hired former 49ers defensive coordinator Ryan Osborn to coach the Pokes’ defensive line in 2025. OSU also landed a Charlotte defensive back transfer on Sunday.

Albin is an Oklahoman. He is from Woodward and went to Northwestern Oklahoma State — where he played before starting his coaching career.

This also wouldn’t be the first time an coach went from being OSU’s defensive coordinator to coaching at Charlotte. Back in 2018, Glenn Spencer was the 49ers defensive coordinator after spending 10 seasons on OSU’s staff.