North Alabama is also hiring Oklahoma State analyst Colby Ellis to coach wide receivers and former Missouri State offensive line coach Max Halpin to the same position. He was promoted later to serve as interim defensive coordinator following the firing of former Oklahoma State defensive coordinator Todd Grantham. “I’m thankful to Coach Dearmon for the opportunity to be a part of UNA football as the defensive coordinator,” Bowen said in a release. Before being hired at Oklahoma State ahead of the 2025 season, Bowen was the head coach at Lawrence High School in Kansas. His son Banks recently signed with North Alabama out of the transfer portal and spent last season at Oklahoma State as well.