In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college football world, Oklahoma State has parted ways with Mike Gundy, one of the sport's most charismatic and polarizing figures over the past two decades. But here's where it gets controversial: Was this decision a necessary step forward for the program, or did Oklahoma State just let go of a coach who, despite recent struggles, had elevated the team to unprecedented heights? Let’s dive into the story that has everyone talking.
Mike Gundy, the 58-year-old Oklahoma City native and former star quarterback for the Cowboys in the late 1980s, was dismissed on Tuesday after a tenure that included a remarkable 170-90 record at his alma mater. From 2006 to 2023, Gundy delivered winning seasons every year, a testament to his ability to consistently compete in a sport dominated by wealthier programs. However, his final two seasons saw losing records, culminating in a stunning 11 losses in his last 12 games.
Oklahoma State athletic director Chad Weiberg praised Gundy’s impact in a statement, saying, “Cowboy Football reached an unprecedented level of success and national prominence under Coach Gundy’s leadership. His dedication to raising the standard of our program is something all OSU fans are deeply grateful for.” Under Gundy’s guidance, the Cowboys became a force to be reckoned with, winning the Big 12 in 2011 and reaching the conference title game in 2021 and 2023, largely thanks to the financial backing of late billionaire T. Boone Pickens.
But as college football evolved, so did the challenges. The rise of the transfer portal and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals made it harder for Gundy, who built his reputation on uncovering hidden talent. And this is the part most people miss: Gundy’s candid remarks about these changes in his final seasons offered a rare, unfiltered perspective on the modern state of the sport. On Monday, he expressed his desire to stay, saying, “I’ve put my heart and soul into this, and I’ll continue to do that until I don’t want to do it anymore, or until someone else says we don’t want you to.”
Gundy’s tenure wasn’t without its quirks. Who could forget his infamous “I’m a man, I’m 40” rant defending a player, a moment that has since become a pop culture staple, even appearing in a Consumer Cellular commercial? Yet, his outspoken nature also sparked controversy. In 2020, he apologized for referring to COVID-19 as the “Chinese Virus” and later for wearing a T-shirt featuring the far-right One America News Network, which led to a public disagreement with running back Chuba Hubbard. These incidents were largely overlooked as long as the team was winning, but as losses piled up, they resurfaced in discussions about his departure.
The Cowboys’ struggles were on full display last season, losing their final nine games, including a humiliating 52-0 defeat to Colorado. This season didn’t start much better, with a lackluster 27-7 win over FCS program Tennessee-Martin, followed by a 69-3 loss to Oregon. Ducks coach Dan Lanning even noted that Gundy’s pre-game comments about Oregon’s financial resources had fired up his team. After a bye week, the Cowboys lost at home to Tulsa for the first time since 1951, with fans booing and chanting “Fire Mike Gundy.”
In his final remarks, Gundy urged fans to direct their frustration away from the team, saying, “If you want to be angry at Coach Gundy, then you can do whatever you want that makes you feel better, but don’t do it to the team. That’s what’s best for Oklahoma State football and Oklahoma State in general.”
As Oklahoma State prepares to host Baylor on Saturday, the question remains: Did the program make the right call, or will they come to miss the coach who brought them to the national stage? What do you think? Is this the end of an era, or the beginning of a new chapter for Cowboy Football? Let us know in the comments below.
