Long-time Oklahoma State wrestling coach Zack Esposito is moving west to Colorado Springs. The Cowboys' former Associate Head Coach has accepted a role as the National Freestyle Developmental Coach for USA Wrestling. USA Wrestling announced the hire on Twitter.

Zack Esposito comes to @USAWrestling after 21 years with @CowboyWrestling, first as a champion athlete, then as a coach.

— USA Wrestling (@USAWrestling) August 17, 2023

Esposito has been a staple at Oklahoma State for two decades. As an athlete, the New Jersey native played a critical role in OSU's four consecutive NCAA team titles from 2003 through 2006. He finished top-three in his three NCAA tournament appearances, made the finals twice, and brought home an individual title in 2005.

As a coach, Esposito had a hand in coaching five different wrestlers to a total of ten NCAA titles. He advanced up the Oklahoma State coaching ranks from club coach in 2010 to assistant coach in 2012, and ultimately to the role of Associate Head Coach in 2017.

In his new role as USA Wrestling's National Freestyle Developmental Coach, Esposito will be tasked with sustaining and building on the tradition of excellence the United States has seen on the world stage below the senior level. He'll be taking over for James Green who will be leaving his position to return to Nebraska as an athlete and coach.

USA Wrestling fans have come to expect success from the U17 and U20 World Teams. The 2023 Men's Freestyle U20 World Championship Team recently finished second in the world to Iran with eight medalists and two champions. Last month, the U17 team also finished second to Iran with three champions and six medalists.

Esposito's departure from Oklahoma State left a large void at one of the most storied wrestling programs in the country. It may not take long to fill that void as a successor for Esposito has already been widely rumored. FloWrestling will report on those rumors after they have been confirmed.