Oklahoma State Parts Ways with Coach Mike Gundy After 20 Seasons

Oklahoma State University and longtime head football coach Mike Gundy have officially parted ways after 20 full seasons, marking the end of an era for the Cowboys. This decision, first reported by John Holcomb of News On 6, comes on the heels of a turbulent stretch for the program, punctuated by a disappointing 2024 campaign and a collapse in 2025 that saw Oklahoma State lose nine consecutive games and fail to win a single Big 12 matchup. For the first time since 2005, the Cowboys are searching for a new leader on the sidelines. Gundy, an Oklahoma State alum and former quarterback (1986–89), was initially hired as head coach two decades ago. Despite a rocky start with a 4-7 record in his debut season, Gundy engineered an impressive turnaround, guiding the Cowboys to 18 consecutive winning seasons and bowl appearances. His tenure included two Fiesta Bowl victories (2011, 2021) and five New Year’s Six bowl games. Gundy exits as the program’s all-time wins leader with a record of 170-90, and under the terms of his contract, he is owed $15 million after being dismissed without cause. While Gundy elevated Oklahoma State to consistent Big 12 contender status, his final years were marred by both on-field setbacks and off-field controversies. The 2025 season started with a shaky win over UT Martin, which lost heavily to Missouri State and Southern Illinois, raising doubts about OSU’s form. The low point arrived with a 69-3 defeat at the hands of Oregon—the most lopsided loss of Gundy’s career. A subsequent home loss to Tulsa, the Golden Hurricane’s first victory in Stillwater since 1951, all but sealed Gundy’s fate. Beyond the field, Gundy faced criticism for several incidents, including national backlash in 2020 after being photographed in a One America News Network t-shirt, and his response to star running back Ollie Gordon’s DUI arrest in 2024. He was also known for his fiery and sometimes eccentric persona, most memorably his “I’m a man, I’m 40!” press conference in 2007, and viral moments like one-armed pushups during media events and a Justin Bieber ringtone interrupting a press briefing in 2011. Gundy’s legacy, however, is significant. He coached 42 NFL Draft picks, including first-rounders Dez Bryant, Russell Okung, Chuba Hubbard, and Tylan Wallace. He also led Oklahoma State to a dramatic 2023 Bedlam victory over Brent Venables and the Sooners, closing out the historic rivalry with a win. Notably, Gundy was named national coach of the year by the Football Writers Association of America in 2011, following a 12-1 season and a Big 12 title run that narrowly missed the BCS National Championship Game. As Oklahoma State turns the page, early candidates to replace Gundy reportedly include Oklahoma offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle and former Cowboys quarterback Zac Robinson. Whoever takes the reins will inherit both the challenge of restoring the Cowboys to national relevance and the weight of following a program legend. For more on Gundy’s tenure and the next chapter in Stillwater, follow the latest updates from CBS Sports and connect with Mike Gundy on Twitter.