Oklahoma State is suing its former offensive line coach, Joe Wickline, for damages resulting from a breach of contract caused by Wickline’s new job with the Texas Longhorns.
Last Friday, the suit was filed in district court alleging the parties entered into a contract requiring Wickline to pay a buy-out fee if he ever left the OK State for a position at another bowl division team that didn’t contain play calling duties. In January, Wickline was hired by Texas as offensive coordinator and offensive line coach. Head coach Charlie Strong noted that Wickline would be calling the offense’s plays. Subsequently, Strong wavered on that promise, stating that Wickline and assistant head coach, Shawn Watson, would be sharing the duties. Ultimately, Watson was deemed to have the final say.
As the season has progressed, Wickline has been involved with the offense, but it does not appear he has play calling duties. The lawsuit seeks over $593,000 in the alleged buyout provision of Wickline’s contract with Oklahoma State University. The University claims Wickline voluntarily and unilaterally terminated the contract, thus reinstating the waiver of liquidated damages clause. Wickline filed a counter-suit on Monday, and the teams are set to square-off in Oklahoma on November 15.