Mike Gundy Stays at Oklahoma State Amid Tumultuous Season and Restructured Deal
It’s been a whirlwind of a week for Oklahoma State football, and the dust is finally starting to settle. After a disastrous 3-9 season that ended with a humiliating 52-0 loss to No. 23 Colorado, the Cowboys have decided to stick with their longtime head coach, Mike Gundy. According to sources, Gundy and Oklahoma State have agreed to a restructured contract that will keep him at the helm, despite mounting pressure and a winless Big 12 campaign.
The decision comes after two days of intense discussions between Gundy, Oklahoma State officials, and the Oklahoma A&M Board of Regents. The regents held a special meeting on Friday morning to address Gundy’s future and other football staff employment matters. While no resolution was reached that day, board chair Jimmy Harrel assured reporters, “We have a plan.” By Saturday, that plan materialized, and Gundy’s job was safe—for now.
What’s in the New Deal?
As part of the restructured contract, Gundy’s $7.75 million annual salary will be reduced, with the savings being redistributed as part of a revenue-sharing program for players. Additionally, his buyout—previously a hefty $25.3 million—has been reduced, sources told ESPN. This move comes after some initial disagreements between Gundy and the university over the extent of the salary reduction. Ultimately, both sides reached a compromise, ending two days of uncertainty about Gundy’s future.
It’s worth noting that Gundy was reportedly already on board with giving up part of his salary to support revenue sharing. However, the negotiations hit a snag over the exact amount, leading to speculation about whether Oklahoma State might part ways with its all-time winningest coach.
Support and Skepticism
Despite the rocky season, Gundy had the backing of key figures within the university, including school president Kayse Shrum and athletic director Chad Weiberg. However, not everyone was in his corner. Sources revealed that at least one regent was in favor of moving on from Gundy, adding another layer of drama to the situation.
Gundy’s track record at Oklahoma State is undeniable. Since taking over as head coach in 2004, he’s led the Cowboys to a 169-88 record, a Big 12 title in 2011, and runner-up finishes in 2021 and 2023. Under his leadership, Oklahoma State enjoyed 18 consecutive bowl appearances before this season’s collapse. But this year’s 3-9 record, coupled with a winless Big 12 campaign, marked the worst season of his tenure and left many questioning whether it was time for a change.
Coaching Changes and Controversy
In an effort to turn things around, Gundy has already started making changes to his coaching staff. On Wednesday, he fired offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn and defensive coordinator Bryan Nardo. Sources say Gundy had begun reaching out to potential replacements even before Friday’s special board meeting. Part of the discussions during that meeting reportedly centered on whether more oversight was needed in the hiring of assistant coaches and the structuring of their contracts.
This isn’t the first time Gundy has faced scrutiny during his tenure. Back in 2020, he agreed to a $1 million salary cut, a shortened contract, and a reduced buyout following a program review. That review was prompted by criticism from star running back Chuba Hubbard, who called out Gundy for wearing a T-shirt from One America News, a far-right news network. At the time, then-athletic director Mike Holder praised Gundy for voluntarily offering up the contract changes.
Gundy has also made headlines for controversial comments. Just last month, he faced backlash for saying, “most cases, the people that are negative and voicing their opinion are the same ones that can’t pay their own bills.” He later apologized for the remark, but it added fuel to the fire during an already challenging season.
A Storied Career with a Blemish
Gundy’s legacy at Oklahoma State is a complicated one. As a former star quarterback for the Cowboys, he became the Big Eight’s all-time passing leader during his playing career. As a coach, he’s a three-time Big 12 Coach of the Year and has led his teams to 10 AP top-20 finishes, including a No. 3 ranking in 2011 when Oklahoma State won the Fiesta Bowl. Before this year’s struggles, the Cowboys had won 10 or more games in eight of the previous 14 seasons.
But this season’s collapse has left fans and analysts alike wondering if Gundy can still lead the program to success. While his restructured contract gives him another chance, the pressure is on to deliver results—and fast.
What’s Next for Oklahoma State?
With Gundy staying put, the focus now shifts to rebuilding the program. The Cowboys will need to find the right coordinators to help turn things around, and Gundy will have to prove that this season was an anomaly rather than the start of a downward trend. For a fanbase that’s grown accustomed to success, patience may be in short supply.
As the offseason begins, one thing is clear: all eyes will be on Mike Gundy and Oklahoma State as they attempt to bounce back from one of the most challenging seasons in program history.
Originally Written by: Adam Rittenberg
