By Oaklee Fielder, Sports Editor
Head football coach Ronnie Jones was relieved of his duties on Tuesday after three years on the staff, according to a news release from Northwestern Oklahoma State University.
The offensive coordinator, Jason Medrano, and defensive coordinator, Alex Bentram, have also been relieved, according to multiple players.
One defensive player stated that at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, defensive coordinator Alex Bentram sent a group message to the defensive players indicating that he would not be returning next year.
An assistant coach said that Jones, Medrano, Bentram, offensive line coach Scott Martin, tight ends coach Damon Kepley and the recruiting coordinator Dominic Hogan are all leaving at the end of the 2025 season. None of the other assistant coaches are leaving, according to that assistant coach.
Multiple players have also said that many, if not most, of the defensive players are entering the transfer portal. Many of the offensive players are also entering the portal.
Starting junior quarterback Caleb Deal has confirmed that he is entering the transfer portal. He does not know where he is headed at this time, but says he is leaving in search of better opportunities. Deal said around 30 players are in the transfer portal.
The last three seasons have seen limited success. In 2023, when Jones joined as the head coach, the Rangers finished 1-10, only beating SWOSU. The 2024 and 2025 seasons both ended with a 2-9 record.
The only team the Rangers have consistently beaten is SNU, which has consistently placed last in the GAC standings.
“I appreciate Coach Jones’ service, dedication and commitment to Northwestern Oklahoma State University Ranger football,” Brad Franz, the vice president of athletics, said. “Ronnie and his staff have worked very hard at elevating our program.”