End of an Era: Mike Gundy Leaves Oklahoma State After Two Decades
Stillwater, OK — For the first time since 2005, Oklahoma State University will head into a football season without Mike Gundy at the helm. His departure, made official on September 23, 2025, marks the closing of one of the longest tenures in college football history.
Gundy’s exit came amid a maelstrom of frustration, unmet expectations, and a program in decline. His legacy, though, remains indelible: 170 wins, a Big 12 title, and a reshaped identity for OSU football.
The Build-Up: Season Woes & Cracks in the Foundation
From Contract Talks to Performance Slippage
Not long ago, Gundy and OSU renegotiated his contract in an effort to reset expectations. But the optimism was short-lived. The 2024 season culminated in a 3–9 record and a winless Big 12 campaign — the worst in his OSU tenure.
The 2025 season began even more painfully: after a 66-point loss to Oregon and an unexpected home defeat to Tulsa — the first Tulsa victory in Stillwater since 1951 — sentiment turned sharply.
Public Statements, Private Tensions
Just a day before his dismissal, Gundy insisted he was “100 percent” committed to returning, referencing his multi-year contract and deep roots with the program. But behind closed doors, the athletic department and university leadership were apparently wrestling with shifting expectations about competitiveness in an era of NIL, transfer markets, and high-stakes investment.
When the decision was made to part ways, it was immediate — no interim season, no graceful wind-down.
The Legacy Gundy Leaves Behind
Record & Milestones
Gundy departs as Oklahoma State’s all-time winningest coach, with a 170–90 record over 21 seasons. Under his guidance, OSU notched:
18 consecutive winning seasons
Eight seasons with 10 or more wins
A Big 12 championship in 2011
Consistent national relevance, including multiple Top-25 finishes
His presence wasn’t just about wins and losses. Gundy’s longevity, personality, and identification with OSU turned him into a symbol — a living link between the program’s past and present.
Critiques & the Turning Point
But even the best run comes to an end. In recent seasons, many critics noted that Gundy’s system and recruiting strategies were falling behind newer models. The shift toward NIL deals, high transfer portal activity, and advanced recruiting tactics demanded adaptability — and many believed Gundy was slow to adjust.
In a recent column, one analyst argued that his time had come, suggesting that while Gundy was once ahead of the curve, the curve had now overtaken him.
What Happens Next for Oklahoma State?
Interim Leadership & Transition
Offensive coordinator Doug Meacham has been named interim head coach for the remainder of the season. The administration cites the decision as a commitment to looking ahead — not just slashing ties but taking a long-term view of where OSU football should go.
Roster Flux & Recruiting Pressure
Because of how early in the season this change happened, the roster is vulnerable. Some committed players may reconsider, and transfers might be tempted to depart.
In fact, KD Jones, a three-star running back, already decommitted soon after the firing became public.
The Coaching Search & Culture Reset
OSU now must search for a new head coach who can navigate the modern complexities of college football: NIL, roster volatility, recruitment speed, and donor pressures. The next coach will inherit both the expectations and the challenge of redefining OSU’s trajectory.
Why This Departure Matters
Gundy’s exit is more than a roster shift. It’s symbolic of shifting norms in college football. Coaches are now subject to performance metrics, media scrutiny, and financial pressure in ways that were less impactful a decade ago. His departure suggests that even the legends are not immune in the current landscape.
For Oklahoma State, the legacy is tough but clear: Gundy elevated the program to new heights. Now, the institution hopes that exiting on this note will open a new chapter — one more attuned to today’s demands.
