Oklahoma State has officially fired head football coach Mike Gundy, ending a tenure that spanned two decades and reshaped the program’s identity. The decision comes after weeks of mounting pressure following a brutal start to the 2025 season and years of growing unrest among the fan base.
Gundy leaves Stillwater as the winningest coach in school history, compiling a 170-90 record since taking over in 2005. His run included a Big 12 championship in 2011, 18 consecutive bowl appearances, and some of the most memorable wins in program history. For years, Gundy’s Cowboys were known as one of the most consistent contenders in the conference, developing a reputation for explosive offenses and player development.
But recent seasons told a different story. Oklahoma State stumbled to a 3-9 record in 2024, failing to win a single conference game. The 2025 campaign offered no relief, with a 69-3 loss to Oregon followed by a shocking home defeat to Tulsa, the Cowboys’ first loss at Boone Pickens Stadium to their in-state neighbor since 1951. That result sparked “Fire Gundy” chants in Stillwater and fueled speculation that the end was near.
Gundy’s contract structure, which carried a $15 million buyout if terminated before 2027, had previously offered him protection. But in the wake of back-to-back seasons marked by heavy losses and frustration among donors and fans, Oklahoma State’s leadership decided it was time for a change.
The move leaves a massive vacancy in Stillwater. Gundy was not only Oklahoma State’s coach but its most visible ambassador, known for his loyalty to the university and his ability to keep the Cowboys competitive in a changing college football landscape. The search for his replacement will begin immediately, with several rising coaches and OSU alumni expected to be in the mix.
For all the frustration that surrounded his final years, Gundy’s impact on Oklahoma State football is undeniable. He turned the Cowboys from a middling program into a national name, raising the standard in Stillwater and delivering some of the biggest moments in school history. His tenure is over, but his legacy will remain a defining chapter in Oklahoma State athletics.
