Quick Summary:
- Oklahoma State has fired head coach Mike Gundy after 21 seasons. (Reuters)
- The Cowboys stumbled to a 1-2 start in 2025, including a shocking home loss to Tulsa.
- Doug Meacham takes charge as interim coach.
- Gundy’s buyout clause forces OSU to pay approx. $15 million. (CBS Sports)
Table of Contents
Breaking: Mike Gundy Out After 21 Seasons
In a move that stunned college football fans, Oklahoma State University fired Mike Gundy on September 23, 2025. After a humiliating loss to Tulsa — their first home defeat against them in 74 years — the pressure became unbearable. Stadium chants of “Fire Gundy” echoed loudly, forcing administrators to take action.
Earlier this week, Gundy had said he was “100% committed” to OSU, but the sudden dismissal shows just how quickly things change in modern college football (ESPN).
For readers who follow our coverage of sports legends, this moment mirrors the emotional reactions we saw in our piece on Dickie Bird’s death news — both marking the end of an era.
Mike Gundy Biography
Full Name: Michael Ray Gundy
Date of Birth: August 12, 1967
Age: 58 (as of 2025)
Birthplace: Midwest City, Oklahoma, U.S.
Profession: American football coach, former quarterback
Mike Gundy grew up in Oklahoma and became a star quarterback at Midwest City High School. He went on to play for Oklahoma State as a record-setting quarterback in the late 1980s.
After graduating, he quickly moved into coaching, first as an assistant at his alma mater. In 2005, he was promoted to head coach — a role he held for 21 years, making him one of the longest-tenured coaches in college football.
His brother, Cale Gundy, is also a well-known coach, having worked at Oklahoma.
👉 Related Biography: Check our coverage of Margot Robbie for more celebrity career insights.
Coaching Career Highlights
- Head Coach at Oklahoma State: 2005–2025
- Career Record: 170 wins, 90 losses
- Big 12 Championship: 2011
- 8 seasons with 10+ wins
- 18 consecutive bowl appearances (2006–2023)
Despite these numbers, his later years saw a steep decline. The Cowboys missed a bowl in 2024 after going 3-9, their worst finish in decades.
Performance Chart: Gundy’s OSU Tenure
| Year | Record | Big 12 Standing |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 12-1 | Big 12 Champions |
| 2017 | 10-3 | Top 20 Finish |
| 2021 | 11-2 | 2nd in Big 12 |
| 2023 | 10-4 | Bowl Appearance |
| 2024 | 3-9 | Last Place |
| 2025 | 1-2 (so far) | Early struggles |
Graph – Wins Over Time
Why Was Gundy Fired?
Several reasons combined to end his run:
- OSU went winless in Big 12 play in 2024.
- The team lost 11 of its last 12 games overall.
- Recruiting struggles, particularly with NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals.
- Heavy fan backlash — boos and chants at home games.
As CBS Sports noted, the administration felt the program was “falling behind” in a rapidly changing landscape (CBS Sports).
What’s Next for Oklahoma State?
Doug Meacham, the offensive coordinator, will serve as interim head coach. Candidates like GJ Kinne and Dana Holgorsen are already being mentioned in coaching circles.
This situation also has ripple effects on recruiting. Just hours after the firing, three-star running back KD Jones de-committed from OSU (Reuters).
Fans following OSU’s fate might find parallels in our own coverage of Kate Scott’s career update, where media figures face sudden changes under pressure.
Personal Life
Mike Gundy is married to Kristen Gundy. The couple has three sons: Gavin, Gunnar, and Gage. Gunnar even played quarterback for Oklahoma State, continuing the family tradition.
Gundy is famous for his fiery personality — especially the viral “I’m a man! I’m 40!” press conference rant in 2007, which became part of college football lore.
FAQs
Mike Gundy was promoted to head coach in 2005 after serving as offensive coordinator at Oklahoma State.
He finished with 170 wins and 90 losses across 21 seasons, making him the winningest coach in OSU history.
OSU fired him after a poor 2024 season, a 1–2 start in 2025, and heavy fan backlash combined with recruiting struggles in the NIL era.
Doug Meacham, the offensive coordinator, has been appointed as interim head coach while OSU searches for a permanent replacement.
Reports suggest Oklahoma State must pay approximately $15 million to Gundy as part of his contract buyout.
