“I’m not worried about no spotlight. There was one time in my life when I wasn’t in the spotlight. It’s crazy to see how everything can change,” former Cardinals QB Cam Ward stated back in February, during the NFL Combine. It indeed showcased Ward’s confidence and mentality, developed by his coach Eric Morris at UIW.

Not only did HC Eric Morris help him to become the zero-star recruit to No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, he is also his biggest admirer. “It was phenomenal how well he did in that setting, and we were a little confused at the end of it that we didn’t know who he was. It was one of the best camps we’ve ever seen from a sheer throwing aspect,” QB guru Morris praised him after selecting him. Interestingly, Eric Morris’s ability to identify and develop talented quarterbacks and offensive players is remarkable. And, his transition from basketball player to football WR and QB and now UNT head coach showcases his determination. His career accomplishments solidify his status in the football world. For this, no one is as proud as his wife and kids.

Who is Eric Morris? And how is he related to Cam Ward?

Eric Morris is an accomplished head coach who has been serving the University of North Texas since December 2022. Amazingly, Morris, who is better known for his ability to develop high-scoring offenses, has become the 20th head coach in UNT program history. During his two seasons at UNT, his contribution to program success is really remarkable, leaving a positive impact on many players.

With his active participation in the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl, he helped UNT to its 15 bowl game in program history. Additionally, with his vast expertise in the Texas coaching scene, he transformed UNT into a premier offensive team that consistently ranks among the best in the United States and the country. Under his leadership, UNT placed third in 2024 and sixth in 2023 with respect to total offense. Also, Eric, who has an 11-14 coaching record at UNT, helped the team to clinch the fourth-ranked passing attack in FBS in 2024.

Before mentoring his home team, UNT, he served as the offensive coordinator at Washington State for one season. Besides this, his impressive role as the HC at the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) was impressive. During his tenure from 2018 to 2021 at UIW, he amazingly helped the Cardinals to clinch the conference titles in 2018 and 2021.

Under his mentorship, UIW paved his path to the FCS playoffs two times. He also served his alma mater, Texas Tech, as the receivers coach from 2013 to 2017. Morris started his coaching career with the Houston Cougars as a graduate assistant, and then he worked as a wide receivers coach at Washington State. Beyond his successful career trajectory, his aptitude for coaching and developing quarterbacks grabs people’s attention.

He is most recognized for having coached Cameron Ward at UIW and Patrick Mahomes at Texas Tech. His connection with Cam Ward is really impressive. Though he does not share a blood relation with him, he is his biggest supporter who shaped Cam Ward’s football journey. From recognizing a “zero-star recruit” out of Columbia High School in Texas to witnessing him as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft is the real pleasure for Morris.

Despite having an offer from Texas Southern, QB Cam Ward chose UIW, an FCS university in San Antonio. HC Eric Morris helped him polish his football skills as a redshirt freshman and redshirt sophomore. Previously, Eric Morris reflected on selecting Cam Ward at the QB position at Incarnate Word.

“The first time we noticed him was at a campout at Incarnate Word,” Morris said. “We didn’t know who he was beforehand. Usually at that point, especially at the quarterback position, you have four or five guys you want to evaluate in a camp setting, but he wasn’t on that list,” he explained. But his warm-up skills caught his attention soon. “The ball was just popping off his hand, and I pulled coach (Mack) Leftwich aside and asked, ‘Who is this kid’?” he iterated further.

Additionally, the football coach went on to admire him for his impressive skills. “From that moment, we knew we’d watch him throughout the camp. He did such a good job we kept him after and had him do some extra work — throwing some field outs and field comebacks and some other throws that are typically pretty hard for a 17-year-old kid to make.” Apart from developing the Heisman Trophy finalist Cam Ward, he has the strong backing of his wife, Maggie, who is his constant supporter throughout.

Who is Eric Morris’ wife, Maggie?

UNT football coach, who has a career record of 35-32, also has a successful off-field life. His chemistry with his wife, Maggie Morris, caught significant attention during his coaching career at the University of North Texas. On December 13, 2022, when he took the role as the HC for the UNT, it was his wife who was on cloud nine. She played an elementary role in his life. Impressively, she has been with him throughout his transitional and challenging coaching journey.

Morris shares a tight-knit bond with his wife and kids. Though the accurate details about their marriage and relationship history remain undisclosed, Eric Morris and his wife Maggie have both been relishing parenthood together.

Does Eric Morris and his wife Maggie have any children?

Eric Morris, who led UNT to their 15th bowl game appearance has two sons, Nicholas and George. The name of the former Washington State offensive coordinator’s son is not clear, as one of his son’s names is mentioned as Jack in some spaces as well.

Interestingly, back in 2022, when Eric replaced Seth Littrell at the HC position at North Texas, his adoration for his wife and kids went viral. The Texas native coach, showcased his enthusiasm for his family returning home to cheer on the UNT football team.

 “I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity given to me by Jared Mosley and President Smatresk to lead UNT Football into a new era in The American. As a native Texan, I understand the pride and standard of Mean Green football, and I am humbled to be able to lead this storied program. My wife, Maggie, and our boys are so excited to return home. We can’t wait to meet the team and get to work,” Morris remarked.

The HC is not just making waves as a coach, but is equally involved with his family and their support says it all.