Tulsa head coach Tre Lamb had nothing but praise for Oklahoma State’s Mike Gundy this week, even putting the veteran coach in the same breath as Kansas State legend Bill Snyder. Ahead of Friday night’s matchup, Lamb made clear just how highly he views the man who has led OSU’s program for nearly two decades.
“Coach Gundy, can’t wait to go against him on Friday night,” Lamb said. “Got really a lot of respect for Coach. Probably one of the most, if not the most, underrated coaches of my lifetime. I would say he and Bill Snyder are probably two of the guys that come to mind when you think of doing the most at where they’ve been.”
In today’s college football landscape, it is almost rare to hear a head coach speak so glowingly of an opponent, but Lamb’s comments underscore the reputation Gundy has built in Stillwater. Since taking over at Oklahoma State in 2005, Gundy has won 165 games, claimed a Big 12 Championship in 2011, and led the Cowboys to a ton of bowl game appearances. Much like Snyder at Kansas State, who turned a perennial doormat into a consistent national contender, Gundy has turned OSU into one of the most stable programs in the Big 12.
Lamb, who is in his first season at Tulsa after four years at Gardner-Webb, faces a steep challenge this week. The Golden Hurricane is still in the early stages of rebuilding, while Oklahoma State finds itself in a strange place, despite decades of success. Still, the respect he voiced toward Gundy shows an appreciation for the long-term consistency the Cowboys have established under his leadership.
For Gundy, the comparison to Snyder is not a new one. Both coaches built programs in places that were not traditional powers and sustained success over decades. Snyder’s work at Kansas State is legendary, and while Gundy has not reached the same national heights, his ability to keep Oklahoma State relevant through conference realignment, the transfer portal, and the NIL era is a testament to his adaptability and coaching acumen.
Friday night’s meeting will pit one of the Big 12’s most seasoned head coaches against one of college football’s newest, and Lamb’s comments highlight the kind of respect Gundy commands across the coaching profession.
