Oklahoma State Owners SLAM Mike Gundy After Firing Him!
The saga of Mike Gundy’s tenure at Oklahoma State is a classic tale of triumph, hubris, and an unceremonious end. Let’s break it down with a clear-eyed look at what happened, why it happened, and what it means for his legacy and the program’s future, weaving in some context from the Shedeur Sanders story where relevant.
The Rise: Building a Powerhouse in Stillwater
Mike Gundy’s 21-year run at Oklahoma State was nothing short of transformative. Taking over in 2005 at age 37, he inherited a program that was a Big 12 doormat and turned it into a consistent contender. From 2006 to 2023, OSU posted winning seasons every year, with 18 straight bowl appearances—a feat unmatched in the program’s history. The 2011 season was the high-water mark: a 12-1 record, a Big 12 title, and a No. 2 BCS ranking, driven by stars like Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackman. Gundy’s ability to adapt his offensive schemes—from a high-octane passing attack to a ground-and-pound system with running backs like Chuba Hubbard and Ollie Gordon II—showcased his coaching acumen. His system produced three Biletnikoff Award winners and eight first-round NFL draft picks, cementing OSU as a talent factory.
Gundy’s loyalty to OSU, where he starred as a record-setting quarterback from 1986-89, earned him the moniker “Mr. Cowboy.” His 2021 induction into the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame and multiple Coach of the Year awards (Big 12 in 2010, 2021, 2023; Eddie Robinson and Bear Bryant in 2011) underscored his impact. Off the field, his infamous “I’m a man, I’m 40!” rant in 2007 became college football folklore, initially boosting his image as a players’ coach who fiercely defended his team. Financially, OSU’s program thrived, bolstered by billionaire booster T. Boone Pickens, whose investments in facilities helped elevate the program’s profile.
The Fall: Cracks in the Foundation
The decline began subtly but accelerated dramatically. The 2022 season (7-6) hinted at trouble, with a mass exodus of 16 scholarship players via the transfer portal signaling Gundy’s disconnect with a new generation of athletes. Reports of insensitive comments, poor decision-making, and ignoring positional weaknesses—like the offensive line—eroded locker room trust. The loss of quarterback Spencer Sanders was a critical blow, as Gundy’s alleged discouragement of his return highlighted a growing rift with key players.
The 2023 season’s 10 wins and Big 12 title game appearance, powered by Ollie Gordon II’s 1,700+ rushing yards, masked deeper issues. Advanced metrics (SP+ ranking in the 40s) showed OSU was overperforming, not excelling. Gundy’s resistance to modern college football realities—namely Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and the transfer portal—left OSU lagging. The program’s paltry $7 million in NIL spending over three years was dwarfed by competitors, a stark contrast to the innovative “Prime Equity” clause in Shedeur Sanders’ NFL contract, which leveraged his brand for millions. Gundy’s public dismissal of NIL negotiations (“Tell your agent to quit calling”) underscored his antiquated approach, alienating players and recruits.
The 2024 season was a catastrophe: a 3-9 record, 0-9 in Big 12 play, and humiliating losses (69-3 to Oregon, 52-0 to Colorado). A desperate overhaul—firing nine of 10 assistants and integrating 65 new players, including 30 summer arrivals—failed spectacularly. The final straw was a 19-12 home loss to Tulsa on September 20, 2025, OSU’s first home defeat to their in-state rival since 1951. This extended their FBS losing streak to 11 games, exposing a program in freefall. On September 23, 2025, Gundy was fired, ending his tenure 18 years to the day after his iconic rant.
Controversies: A Pattern of Missteps
Gundy’s downfall wasn’t just about wins and losses; it was a death by a thousand cuts, fueled by controversies that revealed his struggles to adapt to a changing world:
2007 “I’m a Man, I’m 40!” Rant: While initially celebrated, quarterback Bobby Reid later called it disingenuous, suggesting it was more about Gundy’s image than player support.
2013 Sports Illustrated Investigation: Allegations of payments, academic fraud, drug tolerance, and inappropriate recruiting practices rocked OSU. Though T. Boone Pickens dismissed the report, it left a stain.
2020 COVID and BLM Controversies: Gundy’s claim that COVID was harmless to athletes and his “Chinese virus” remark drew sharp criticism. Worse, wearing an OAN t-shirt critical of Black Lives Matter sparked a player boycott led by Chuba Hubbard, exposing racial and cultural disconnects. A $1 million pay cut and apologies couldn’t fully repair the damage.
2024 Ollie Gordon DUI: Gundy’s flippant defense of not suspending Gordon (equating the DUI to “two or three beers”) and tying it to his NIL earnings was tone-deaf, suggesting favoritism based on financial value.
2024 Fan Criticism: Gundy’s attack on fans as “failures” who “can’t pay their bills” while begging for NIL donations was a baffling misstep, alienating the fanbase and prompting a university rebuke.
These incidents painted Gundy as increasingly out of touch, unable to navigate the cultural, social, and economic shifts in college football. His refusal to embrace NIL parallels the NFL’s alleged resistance to Shedeur Sanders’ innovative contract demands, highlighting how traditional power structures struggle with player empowerment.
The Aftermath: Legacy and Lessons
Gundy’s legacy is a paradox. He’s undeniably OSU’s greatest coach, elevating a middling program to national relevance with 166 wins, a Big 12 title, and a golden era from 2006-2023. Yet, his final years exposed flaws: inflexibility, poor interpersonal skills, and a failure to evolve. His refusal to resign, likely to secure a $15 million buyout, soured his exit, contrasting with Shedeur Sanders’ ability to leverage his brand for financial security despite NFL challenges.
The parallels between Gundy and the Sanders saga are striking. Both faced criticism for perceived arrogance—Gundy’s fan insults and Shedeur’s “entitled” label. Both clashed with modern expectations: Gundy with NIL, Shedeur with NFL owners wary of his unprecedented contract terms. And both stirred debates about systemic issues, from Gundy’s racial missteps to allegations of NFL collusion against Sanders. However, Shedeur’s youth and marketability offer a path to redemption, while Gundy’s age (58) and entrenched ways make a comeback less likely.
What’s Next for OSU?
Oklahoma State faces a daunting task replacing a legend. Athletic director Chad Weiberg’s statement acknowledged Gundy’s contributions but emphasized moving forward. The program needs a coach who embraces NIL, rebuilds team culture, and competes in an expanded Big 12. Names like SMU’s Rhett Lashlee or Liberty’s Jamey Chadwell are floating as candidates who blend modern recruiting savvy with proven success. The transfer portal and NIL market will be critical, requiring a significant financial boost—something Gundy resisted but Shedeur Sanders mastered in his own way.
Final Thoughts
Mike Gundy’s story is a cautionary tale about the perils of resting on laurels in a rapidly evolving sport. His achievements are monumental, but his refusal to adapt—culturally, financially, and strategically—led to his downfall. As OSU turns the page, the college football world watches to see if the Cowboys can reclaim their place among the elite or if Gundy’s era was a singular, unrepeatable peak.
What do you think? Was Gundy’s firing justified, or did OSU pull the trigger too soon? How does his resistance to change compare to the NFL’s pushback against Shedeur Sanders? Let me know your thoughts!
