The story of Mike Gundy in Oklahoma is legendary. Before coming to Oklahoma State in 1986, Gundy was a standout quarterback at Midwest City High School, where he led his squad to a state title. He set school and Big Eight passing records during his four seasons as a Cowboy, accumulating 8,437 career passing yards, a record that remained in place for more than two decades. Gundy had established himself as a pivotal figure in Stillwater by the time his playing career ended in 1989, and the coaching staff hired him to develop OSU’s future generation of talent.

In regard to Gundy’s decades-long influence on the program, one insider said, “No single figure has had as much direct impact over such a significant amount of time.” Gundy returned to his alma mater in 2001 and started one of the most historic runs in OSU football history after a brief stint coaching at Baylor and Maryland. Gundy has given the Cowboys a lot of victories and memorable moments. But despite all those accomplishments, OSU has decided that it’s time for a change.

Mike Gundy, who has represented Oklahoma State football for over 20 years, has been officially relieved of his duties with immediate effect. On3 was informed by sources that OSU had decided to fire the program’s most successful coach, capping a 20-year run that included 170 victories, 18 straight winning seasons, eight double-digit campaigns, the program’s only Big 12 title in 2011, and five trips to the New Year’s Six bowl. “We got a logo, too,” Gundy declared after a Fiesta Bowl win over Notre Dame.

“When I was hired here to take this job, ever since that day, I’ve put my heart and soul into this,” Gundy said in his final press conference. “I will continue to do that until, at some point, if I say I don’t want to do it or somebody else says we don’t want you to.” After coaching stints at Baylor and Maryland, the 1986–1989 Cowboy quarterback, who played with Thurman Thomas and Barry Sanders, returned to OSU in 2001. He has also guided the team to forty-two NFL Draft selections, including Tylan Wallace, Russell Okung, Chuba Hubbard, and Dez Bryant.

Even though he will always be remembered, the latter part of his term was full of difficulties and controversies. The Cowboys began 2025 with a string of defeats, including a 69-3 loss at Oregon and a historic home loss to Tulsa. In 2024, they were 0-9 in Big 12 play. Off-field headlines, such as comments regarding fan and player incidents and a contentious OANN shirt in 2020, added to the already intense spotlight. Still, Gundy leaves behind a coaching tree that will continue to impact OSU for years to come, a transformed program, and a series of memorable press conference moments. Now, Oklahoma must deal with the aftermath, including a hefty buyout for Gundy.

Oklahoma State set to pay $15M Buyout to Mike Gundy

Days after the Cowboys’ loss to Tulsa, and less than a day after Gundy declared with confidence that he planned to stay this season, the announcement was made. His 21-year run as head coach, which was filled with highs, heated press conferences, and a legacy of victories that came to an end.

For OSU fans, this is a tough fate to accept. Despite the highs of Gundy’s career, the last two seasons were different. OSU is in the 2025 season with a 1-3 record, including a 12-19 shocking loss to Tulsa at home and a humiliating 69-3 loss to Oregon, and went 0-9 in Big 12 play in the 2024 season. Even though Gundy remained unapologetic, his typical bluster was insufficient to conceal his on-field struggles. When asked if he planned to stay at Oklahoma State after this season, he had responded, “100 percent.”

Under Gundy’s contract, which pays $6.75 million this season and extends through 2028, OSU is financially responsible for a $15 million buyout. A succession clause was also included in the agreement, allowing Gundy to assist in finding and training a successor. But given the team’s rocky start, it’s uncertain if that plan will proceed as planned. “Coach Gundy dedicated decades of his life to OSU, achieving significant success and positively impacting hundreds of young men who wore the OSU uniform. His contributions…deserve our profound respect and will not be forgotten,” said Jim Hess, President of the University. Meanwhile, OC Doug Meacham has been appointed as the interim HC. It remains to be seen if Beacham’s appointment brings any change in fortune for the Cowboys.