In a stunning move that sent shockwaves through the college football world, Oklahoma State University announced the firing of its longtime head coach, Mike Gundy. The decision, announced Tuesday, comes after a disastrous start to the 2025 season, leaving the Cowboys with a dismal 1-2 record. The final blow appears to have been a disheartening home loss to Tulsa this past weekend.
Athletic director Chad Weiberg issued a statement praising Gundy's significant contributions to the program over his 21-year tenure. "Cowboy football reached an unprecedented level of success and national prominence under Coach Gundy’s leadership," Weiberg stated, acknowledging Gundy's impressive 170-90 record, three Big 12 Coach of the Year awards, and the 2011 Big 12 championship. However, the recent struggles proved insurmountable, leading to the difficult decision to part ways.
Gundy, a former Oklahoma State quarterback (1986-89), leaves behind a legacy marked not only by his on-field achievements but also by his memorable personality. From his iconic "I'm a man! I'm 40!" rant to his trademark mullet and various eccentric anecdotes – including a recent eye injury sustained in an altercation with a cow – Gundy's tenure was filled with memorable moments that captivated fans and cemented his place in Oklahoma State lore. His dismissal also ends his record as the longest-tenured coach in the Big 12, a title now held by Utah's Kyle Whittingham.
The university will pay Gundy a $15 million buyout as part of the separation agreement. Offensive coordinator Doug Meacham has been named interim head coach for the remainder of the 2025 season. The outlook for the Cowboys remains bleak, with ESPN analytics projecting a winless record for the remaining nine games. The future of Oklahoma State football now enters a period of uncertainty and transition as the search for a new head coach begins.
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Originally published at: https://www.deseret.com/sports/2025/09/23/oklahoma-state-fires-mike-gundy-big-12-football/
