Oklahoma State University and head coach Mike Gundy are currently at an impasse, as renewal discussions for Gundy’s contract have resurfaced. Reports indicate that the university has presented Gundy with the option of accepting a pay cut or facing potential termination following a disappointing 3-9 season. Should Gundy decline the proposed restructured contract, the university is considering firing him for cause.
A decision from Gundy is expected by 5 p.m. CT on Friday, with this deadline looming amid a backdrop of significant organizational changes within the football program. Earlier on Friday, the Oklahoma State Board of Regents convened a special meeting to deliberate on the future of the football team and its coaching personnel.
Gundy had been riding on a rolling five-year contract extension he signed in October 2021. However, after enduring the least successful season of his 20-year tenure, Gundy’s position is now precarious. This past season, Oklahoma State logged an 0-9 record in the Big 12, marking the first time Gundy’s team has gone winless in conference play. It also represents the first instance in which he failed to secure at least four wins in a season.
The team’s struggles have already resulted in major staff changes, including the dismissal of offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn and defensive coordinator Bryan Nardo on December 4, shortly after the Cowboys suffered a crushing 52-0 defeat to Colorado. Dunn had been with the program since 2011, while Nardo joined the team at the start of the 2023 season after working at Gannon University in Pennsylvania.
Gundy has long been hailed as a stable presence in college football, being one of the longest-tenured coaches alongside Utah’s Kyle Whittingham. The unfolding situation may lead to a transformative phase for both Gundy and Oklahoma State, with the potential for new opportunities and approaches that could ultimately rejuvenate the football program.
In summary, while the current discussions regarding Gundy’s future may seem challenging, they present a chance for revitalization within the Oklahoma State football program. Embracing change can often lead to growth and renewed success, which fans and stakeholders will be watching closely.