Oklahoma State dismissed Mike Gundy after 21 seasons this week, ending the run of the FBS’s second-longest-tenured coach. The decision follows a shaky 1-2 start in 2025, marked by a stunning 69-3 thrashing at Oregon and an upset in Stillwater, where Tulsa secured its first road win against OSU since 1951.
Though the firing shocked many around college football, insiders pointed to both recent struggles on the field and deeper turmoil within the program as signs the move was coming. Gundy’s departure closed a chapter that had once symbolized stability but had recently unraveled under mounting pressure.
Inside the Ugly Truth Behind Mike Gundy’s Sudden Oklahoma State Firing
Mike Gundy’s departure from Oklahoma State after 21 seasons marked the end of one of the longest tenures in college football. While the firing stunned many, reports quickly surfaced painting a far more complicated picture.
According to college football analyst Josh Pate on his show, “The word was that it was a complete disaster behind the scenes at Oklahoma State.”
He explained that the school pressured Gundy into a pay cut, supposedly to boost the NIL fund, but “the money didn’t really go where he expected it to go.” Pate added, “A lot of staffers kind of got out of dodge when they could,” suggesting instability within the program.
Pate also said Gundy was reportedly “not afforded the opportunity to retire and finish the season.”
While there had been reports that Gundy was given that choice, Pate stated, “apparently that wasn’t the case. These folks hated each other. I mean, Mike Gundy wasn’t getting along with anyone in the administration there. That’s well known in Oklahoma State circles.”
Those close to Gundy have reportedly said he wants to return to coaching immediately, a move that would hardly be surprising given his reputation as one of the sport’s most seasoned coaches.
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Athletic Director Chad Weiberg publicly thanked Gundy while announcing the decision in a recent press conference.
“Cowboy Football reached an unprecedented level of success and national prominence under Coach Gundy’s leadership,” Weiberg said. “I speak for OSU fans everywhere when I say that we are grateful for all he did to raise the standard and show us all what is possible for Oklahoma State football.”
Across more than two decades as head coach, Gundy built Oklahoma State into a Big 12 contender. His résumé included eight seasons with at least 10 wins, a conference championship in 2011, and 18 bowl appearances, five of which were New Year’s Six.
He spent 35 years in Stillwater in total as a player, assistant, and head coach. Yet the program’s fortunes shifted, and “he was already checked out this year,” Pate said, describing Gundy as being “on autopilot.”
The decline was evident on the field. The Cowboys had not produced an NFL quarterback since Mason Rudolph in 2018 and had not sent a wide receiver to the draft since 2021.
Following rocky contract talks and a complete staff overhaul before the season, the separation appeared inevitable. Pate summarized the mood bluntly. “Football coaches are put on this earth to coach.” For Gundy, that next chapter may already be calling.
In the meantime, Oklahoma State alum Doug Meachum, who played for the Cowboys from 1983 to 1987 and spent several seasons coaching around the Big 12 before returning to Stillwater this season as the offensive coordinator, takes the reins as the interim coach.
