Oklahoma State University has officially parted ways with legendary head football coach Mike Gundy, ending a tenure that spanned more than two decades and transformed the Cowboys into a national brand. The move, announced Tuesday, September 23, 2025, comes after a turbulent stretch marked by on-field struggles, off-field controversies, and mounting pressure from donors and university leadership.
A Stunning Fall From Grace
Gundy’s firing arrives just three games into his 21st season, following a disastrous 3-9 campaign in 2024—the worst of his career—and a rocky 1-2 start this fall, capped by a humiliating 69-3 loss to Oregon. Once hailed as the architect of Oklahoma State’s modern football identity, Gundy’s relationship with the university soured as the Cowboys failed to meet expectations and the college football landscape shifted dramatically.
Why Did Oklahoma State Cut Ties?
Multiple factors contributed to Gundy’s ouster:
-
Performance Decline: The Cowboys’ recent record, including a shocking loss to Tulsa as double-digit favorites, left fans and boosters frustrated.
-
Changing College Football Dynamics: The rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and the need for donor engagement put Gundy’s independent, sometimes stubborn personality at odds with the new realities of the sport.
-
Financial Pressures: Gundy agreed to a
$1 million pay cut in the offseason, but his buyout remains a hefty
$15 million, not dropping until 2028.
As one local columnist put it,
“Money is probably the most important aspect of college football now, and you can't afford to have a head coach that isn't well liked by donors.”What’s Next for Oklahoma State?
University President Jim Hess confirmed the search for a new head coach is underway, promising transparency and a thorough process. Early speculation centers on several high-profile candidates, including Oklahoma offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle, whose reputation for explosive offenses has made him a hot commodity.
Top Potential Replacements
-
Ben Arbuckle (Oklahoma OC): Known for innovative offensive schemes and rapid career ascent.
- Other candidates are expected to emerge as the search intensifies.
Gundy’s Legacy: Complicated, But Unforgettable
Despite the bitter ending, Gundy’s impact on Oklahoma State football is undeniable. He led the Cowboys to multiple bowl games, Big 12 contention, and helped build the program’s national profile. Yet, as CBS Sports noted,
“Mike Gundy built Oklahoma State's modern identity, but now it's time for a new one.”What This Means for College Football
Gundy’s firing is a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in college sports. The pressure to win, adapt to new financial realities, and maintain donor goodwill is higher than ever. For Oklahoma State, the next chapter begins now—with big shoes to fill and a fanbase hungry for a fresh start.
Sources
1. Mike Gundy Previews Cowboys vs. Baylor - YouTube
2. Oklahoma State's next coach: Top 5 best candidates after Mike ...
3. UW Football Press Conference: September 23, 2025 - YouTube
4. Beyond the Field: How Politics and NIL Are Shaping Oklahoma ...
5. Mike Gundy Fired at Oklahoma State | Common Man & Timmy 9-23-25
6. Oklahoma State president Jim Hess sends letter regarding head ...
7. Everything Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy said after ...
8. The Oklahoman: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, News, Politics and Sports
