Chris Cox returned to Bison Hill as an assistant coach in 2014, and was elevated to head coach in June 2019. Cox, who played and coached for his father, OBU Hall of Famer Boby Cox, has continued the tradition of excellence built by generations of Bison baseball while developing championship-caliber teams, All-Americans and professional players.

Since becoming head coach, Cox has guided Oklahoma Baptist to multiple NCAA postseason appearances while overseeing some of the most productive offensive teams in school history. His teams have consistently competed for Great American Conference postseason berths and have produced numerous All-GAC, All-Region and All-America selections. 

During his tenure, the Bison established a school record with 112 home runs in 2022, one of several team and individual milestones achieved under his leadership. Since returning to Bison Hill as an assistant coach, OBU has produced 27 All-Americans, 49 All-Region, and 62 All-Conference selections. He also coached two GAC Player of the Year winners (Dan Pruitt, Trou Shields) and 17 CSC Academic-All District honorees.

Player development has become one of the trademarks of Cox's coaching career. During his time on the OBU staff, the Bison have produced five Major League Baseball Draft selections, including Taylor Hearn, Kelvin Rivas, Keach Ballard, Nathan Thompson and Shane Kelso.

Numerous other former Bison have continued their careers in professional baseball, including Yariel Gonzalez, Brandon Cuddy, Tyler Gibson, Carson McPherson, Albertus Barber, AJ Merkel, Jake Gozzo, Zane Gelphman and Ramon Enriquez.

Cox has coached and mentored some of the most accomplished players in Oklahoma Baptist baseball history. Alex Schroeder concluded his career as the program's all-time leader with 66 home runs and 217 RBI, while Isiah Lissade finished second in school history in both hits (218) and runs scored (200).

During his stint as an assistant coach, the Bison compiled a 204-78 record, advanced to the 2015 NAIA World Series, won back-to-back NCCAA National Championships in 2016 and 2017, claimed the 2019 Great American Conference Tournament Championship and helped establish Oklahoma Baptist as a contender during its transition to NCAA Division II competition.

Prior to his return to the program, Cox served as an assistant coach at Vernon College from 2012-14 after spending five seasons at Northern Oklahoma College from 2007-12.

During his coaching career, programs he has served have consistently ranked among the region's top offensive clubs while producing conference champions, All-Americans and professional players.

A Shawnee native, Cox completed an associate degree at Northern Oklahoma College-Tonkawa in 2004 before earning his bachelor's degree from Oklahoma Baptist in 2007 and a master's degree from East Central University in 2018.

As a player, Cox competed for both NOC Tonkawa and Oklahoma Baptist. He was a member of a Northern Oklahoma College team that advanced to a regional final and later helped OBU climb as high as No. 2 in the national rankings. During his senior season at Oklahoma Baptist, Cox hit .319 with two home runs, eight doubles and 40 RBI.

Cox attended Dale High School, where he played under OBU Hall of Famer Bruce Throckmorton and was a member of five state championship teams between fall and spring baseball competition.

His wife, Danielle, is OBU's Director of Student Financial Services. The couple has one son, Jaxon.

UPDATED: 8/12/26