The shockwaves of Mike Gundy’s firing at Oklahoma State continue to reverberate across the Big 12, and on Tuesday, Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell offered his perspective on the end of an era in Stillwater.
Speaking about the decision, Campbell expressed both admiration and disappointment, highlighting Gundy’s impact on college football and the Oklahoma State community.
“It’s just such a crazy time. It’s obviously disappointing,” Campbell said. “And you think the world of what he’s been about. What he did at Oklahoma State was exceptional and will probably be really hard to replicate. Unfortunately we live in a world where the value of that is short lived. And we forget how powerful and impactful he really was on that community. So I think the world of coach Gundy and everything he’s done for me.”
Respect Across the Big 12
Gundy’s departure ends a two-decade tenure in Stillwater, where he built Oklahoma State into one of the most consistent programs in the Big 12. His Cowboys reached heights the program had never seen before, including a Big 12 Championship in 2011 and a Fiesta Bowl victory.
For Campbell, who has been at Iowa State since 2016, Gundy was more than just a peer, he was an example of stability in an ever-changing coaching landscape.
The Broader Coaching Landscape
Campbell’s remarks also reflect the broader reality of today’s college football environment, where past success doesn’t guarantee long-term security. Gundy’s firing comes after back-to-back disappointing seasons, including a shocking home loss to Tulsa that proved to be the final straw for Oklahoma State.
As Campbell pointed out, the expectations in the modern game can be unforgiving. “We live in a world where the value of that is short lived,” he said, underscoring the relentless pressure on programs to win now.
What Now?
Well, for Oklahoma State, it’s a home match up this Saturday vs. Baylor, in the midst of a coaching search. Here are 10 replacements we think the Cowboys should take a look at.
Meantime, Iowa State is fresh off a bye week and hosting Arizona. Both teams are undefeated as the Cyclones look to move to 5-0 overall and 2-0 in Big 12 play.
