How a ‘composed’ Bryan Nardo prepared Oklahoma State’s defense for a Big 12 title run in his first season

Gabriel Trevino For the Tulsa World

STILLWATER — Bryan Nardo remembers one mistake in his coaching career.

When he helped Gannon win a share of the PSAC West title and played in a must-win game to get a spot in the playoffs a year ago, he realized he hadn’t prepared his players for postseason expectations.

“We talked about being a great defense, we talked about winning football games, but we didn’t talk about the Division II playoffs,” Nardo said. “All of a sudden it was like, ‘the playoffs, the playoffs,’ and we hadn’t talked about it, and it became a reality. I didn’t want to make that mistake again.”

After being hired at Oklahoma State in January, Nardo made his goals clear in the first defensive meeting; they were going to compete for the Big 12 title.

Players could have not believed the young, former D-II coach setting the standard, especially after a poor season the year before. But they didn’t. With Nardo earning their trust and balance of emotions, he will be leading the defense in the Big 12 Championship Game on Saturday at 11 a.m. against Texas.

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“He shows actual care,” said linebacker Xavier Benson. “Knowing that he’s invested in all of his players, it’s an actual investment and love of football. He’s the first person to be there after somebody makes a big play in the spring. It’s nice to see the DC running over there before anybody else. It shows he cares. I think that’s why he kept us balling.”

When he first arrived on campus, Nardo was open with his players. If he could be vulnerable with them, he thought they would reciprocate it when they needed to. The bonds he created translated to the field. With personal connections, players began playing for him and learned his scheme.

In practice, some, such as Benson, described Nardo as a loud coach who celebrates just as much if not more than the team. In games, Nardo is viewed as the opposite. OSU has found a formula for second half comebacks this season. The defense shutout Arizona State, held Kansas to seven points — including none in the fourth quarter — 10 to Oklahoma, seven at Houston and three to BYU.

OSU coach Mike Gundy and players, such as linebacker Collin Oliver — who’s played under three different defensive coordinators in three seasons — point to his demeanor. When the first half doesn’t go as to the game plan, Nardo is quick to make adjustments and stay calm.

“I’m no expert on coordinators, but I’m sure you’d like to be composed,” Oliver said. “See things out, feel things out, and if things are not working, be able to adjust off those. I’m sure composure is all it takes. It keeps us calm as well. We’re really fortunate to have a coach like that.”

The Cowboys’ defense has allowed less yards and points per game, forced more turnovers and sacked opposing quarterbacks more than last season. They are one of the best second half defenses in the country. Nardo doesn’t attempt to prepare the team for “big games,” such as the conference championship vs No. 7 Texas. Rather, he reminds them of the standard that they want to set.

The Cowboys’ defense has allowed less yards and points per game, forced more turnovers and sacked opposing quarterbacks more than last season.

Mike Simons, Tulsa World

“Our goal is to play at the highest level,” Nardo said. “We’re not gonna be shocked when that happens. We’re gonna be in that position. We’re gonna thrive in it and we’re gonna continue to work every day to achieve that goal.”

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