Mike Gundy’s Future at Oklahoma State in Jeopardy Amid Contract Dispute
After 20 seasons at the helm of the Oklahoma State Cowboys, head coach Mike Gundy finds himself in a tense standoff with the university over his contract. According to sources who spoke with ESPN, the situation has thrown Gundy’s future with the program into uncertainty, as Oklahoma State is reportedly pushing for a restructured deal that includes a significant pay cut.
Gundy, who has been a fixture in Stillwater for two decades, met with Oklahoma State officials on Friday to discuss his future, sources said. The proposed changes to his contract don’t stop at a pay reduction. The university is also seeking a substantial decrease in Gundy’s buyout, which currently sits at nearly $25 million. For context, Gundy is under contract through 2028, making this a high-stakes negotiation for both sides.
Adding to the drama, sources have indicated that Oklahoma State has discussed the possibility of firing Gundy for cause if he refuses to agree to the new terms. However, it remains unclear what specific actions or incidents might justify such a move. Neither Oklahoma State athletic director Chad Weiberg nor senior associate athletic director for communications Kevin Klintworth responded to requests for comment, leaving fans and analysts alike speculating about the next steps in this unfolding saga.
A Storied Tenure with Recent Struggles
Gundy’s tenure at Oklahoma State has been nothing short of remarkable. Over 20 seasons, he has amassed a 169-88 record, making him the second-longest tenured coach in college football. His only losing seasons came in his first year in 2005 and, unfortunately, this year. The Cowboys’ 2024 campaign was a disaster by any measure, ending with a 3-9 record that included nine consecutive losses and a winless run in conference play. It’s no surprise that such a dismal season has led to unrest within the program’s leadership.
This isn’t the first time Gundy has faced friction with the administration. Back in 2020, he agreed to a $1 million pay cut, reducing his salary from $5 million to $4 million. That decision came after a review of the program, which was sparked by public criticism from former Cowboys running back Chuba Hubbard. Hubbard had called out Gundy for wearing a T-shirt from One America News, a conservative news network. By October 2021, however, Oklahoma State announced that Gundy’s salary had been restored, and his “perpetual five-year contract” was reinstated. Fast forward to 2024, and Gundy is expected to make nearly $7.75 million this year—unless the current negotiations lead to a drastic change.
Controversies Add Fuel to the Fire
Gundy’s recent controversies haven’t helped his case. In November, he issued an apology for comments suggesting that fans critical of Oklahoma State “can’t pay their own bills.” The remark didn’t sit well with many in the fanbase, further straining his relationship with the community. Earlier in the year, at Big 12 media day, Gundy had to clarify comments he made about drinking and driving following the DUI arrest of star running back Ollie Gordon. While Gundy initially said “1,000 times” in reference to Gordon’s poor decision, he later explained that his intended point was that everyone makes mistakes. These incidents, while not career-ending on their own, have added to the perception that Gundy’s leadership may be faltering.
What’s Next for Gundy and Oklahoma State?
As the standoff continues, several key questions remain unanswered. Will Gundy agree to the proposed pay cut and reduced buyout? Could Oklahoma State actually move to fire him for cause, and if so, on what grounds? And perhaps most importantly, what does this mean for the future of a program that Gundy has helped shape into a consistent competitor over the past two decades?
For now, all eyes are on Stillwater as fans, players, and alumni await clarity on the situation. One thing is certain: the outcome of this dispute will have a lasting impact on Oklahoma State football, whether Gundy stays or goes.
Key Points to Watch
- Gundy’s current contract runs through 2028, with a buyout near $25 million.
- Oklahoma State is pushing for a significant pay cut and a reduced buyout.
- The Cowboys are coming off a disastrous 3-9 season, including nine straight losses.
- Gundy has faced criticism for controversial comments and past incidents.
As the drama unfolds, one can’t help but wonder if this is the beginning of the end for Mike Gundy at Oklahoma State—or just another chapter in his storied, and often tumultuous, career with the Cowboys.
Originally Written by: Pete Thamel
