A Program’s Past and an Uncertain Future: The Gundy Era at Oklahoma State

Mike Gundy’s recent comments about Oregon’s football spending came with a steep price, culminating in a historic 69-3 loss to Dan Lanning’s sixth-ranked Ducks. The defeat was Oklahoma State’s worst since 1907 and the most points it has given up in a game since 1996. While the exact impact of Gundy’s words on the players is debatable, Oregon’s pregame video featuring his press conference clips showed they took it seriously. By becoming the villain for this nonconference showdown, Gundy made it easy for Ducks fans to relish in their team’s dominant performance. Though Gundy’s controversial remarks have landed him in trouble before, his on-field success had always been enough to quiet critics. However, after Saturday’s lopsided result, it seems highly improbable he can win his way out of this particular predicament.

Gundy’s legacy at Oklahoma State is undeniable. He is the winningest coach in the program’s history and is credited with establishing a new standard of sustained success. Before his tenure, the Cowboys had just 16 total bowl appearances; under his leadership, they made it to 18 straight bowl seasons. Yet, a recent on-field regression and friction with boosters have brought the program to a crucial turning point. While the school could hold onto the Gundy era out of appreciation for his contributions, doing so might reverse the significant progress that has elevated Oklahoma State’s national standing. It’s an emotional decision for a man who has spent 35 years of his life representing the program as a player, assistant, and head coach. Gundy has been the one constant while athletic directors and university presidents have come and gone. Still, the current leadership has a responsibility to ensure the university’s most lucrative sport is in a healthy position, and the recent decline suggests the program is heading in the wrong direction. A compassionate parting of ways may be the best path forward, allowing Oklahoma State to thank Gundy for his work before the memories of his winning seasons completely fade.

The pressure on Gundy intensified after a disappointing 3-9 season in 2024, which led to a restructured contract. His five-year rolling deal was replaced with a fixed end date, a reduced salary, and new buyout terms, effectively ending the “lifetime contract” he received after a 12-win season in 2021. To address the issues, Gundy completely overhauled his coaching staff, parting ways with several long-time assistants. However, these changes were not enough to prevent the blowout loss to Oregon. The visible talent gap and ongoing execution and communication failures on the field make a rebound seem unlikely.

Gundy has always been a fighter, often following bad seasons with strong comebacks, and he even stood up to former mega-booster T. Boone Pickens. But this time feels different. The team’s clear inferiority, evident in the loss to Oregon and the 0-9 run in the Big 12 last season, demands a complete reevaluation of expectations. It’s no longer safe to bet on a Gundy comeback simply because of his reputation. Instead, having Gundy as head coach now looks like a liability. He isn’t fielding a competitive team and isn’t helping their cause with his midweek comments. While Gundy’s identity is synonymous with Oklahoma State football, the program is no longer required to be tied to him. He successfully raised the floor and ceiling for a program that was once an afterthought, but if the Cowboys cling to the past, they risk losing the consistent competitiveness he helped them achieve. Perhaps Gundy is correct that the program needs more financial investment, but a portion of the fanbase has already made up its mind about him. The only way to unite Oklahoma State behind Gundy would be with the on-field wins that have solved past problems, and after a 69-3 defeat, those victories seem far from certain.