Oklahoma State Parts Ways with Mike Gundy After 21 Seasons
Mike Gundy’s time at Oklahoma State has officially come to an end, marking the close of one of the most notable coaching tenures in college football. After more than two decades on the sidelines in Stillwater, the longtime Cowboys head coach was dismissed this week following a rough start to the 2025 season. The final straw came Friday night when Oklahoma State fell to Tulsa, 19-12, dropping the Cowboys to 1-2. That loss was Tulsa’s first win over OSU since 1998, and its first road victory in Stillwater since 1951.
The timing of this move has surprised many, given Gundy’s deep connection to the program. Not only was he a former Cowboys quarterback, but he also built Oklahoma State into a consistent contender after taking over for Les Miles back in 2005. Over 21 seasons, Gundy amassed a record of 170-90, making him the winningest coach in school history. He delivered eight double-digit win seasons, a Big 12 title game appearance, and even came within a whisker of playing for a national championship in 2011.
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But the last couple of years told a different story. After a 10-4 campaign in 2023, the wheels came off. Oklahoma State plummeted to 3-9 in 2024, losing every single conference matchup, most by wide margins. The struggles carried into 2025 despite staff changes and a revised contract. The blowout losses, capped by a stunning home defeat to Tulsa, made it clear the program had reached a breaking point.
For many fans, it’s hard to separate Gundy from Oklahoma State football. He became a fixture not only for his wins but also for his personality. Who could forget his fiery “I’m a man, I’m 40” rant that went viral years ago? For better or worse, Gundy embodied the program. But the sport has shifted. With the rise of NIL deals, the transfer portal, and new recruiting dynamics, some felt he was falling behind the curve while other programs adapted more quickly.
Even so, his departure leaves behind a complicated legacy. He gave Oklahoma State its best years on the national stage and raised the profile of a program that once struggled to stay relevant. Yet the downturn in recent seasons made change feel inevitable.
As for what’s next, the Cowboys host Baylor this coming weekend, and an interim coach will step in while the university searches for Gundy’s replacement. Several names are already being floated, from up-and-coming college coaches like GJ Kinne and Collin Klein to NFL assistant Zac Robinson, a former OSU quarterback himself. Whoever takes over will face the challenge of rebuilding a team that has quickly slid from conference contention to instability.
In the end, the firing of Mike Gundy signals not just the end of an era in Stillwater, but also a reminder of how fast college football moves. One of the sport’s longest-tenured coaches has been shown the door, and Oklahoma State now turns the page, hoping to find the right leader to guide them into this new era.
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