Is It Time to Reassess Mike Gundy’s Conduct at 58?

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September 20, 2025

Oklahoma State Football at a crossroads: Is an era Ending in Stillwater?

The atmosphere in Stillwater, Oklahoma, is thick with disappointment and debate following Oklahoma State’s stunning 19-12 home defeat at the hands of the Tulsa Golden Hurricane.This loss, the first for the Cowboys against Tulsa on their home field since 1951, has ignited a firestorm of criticism directed at Head Coach Mike Gundy and the program’s current trajectory.

A Shocking Upset and a Program in Question

The game itself was a tale of two halves.Tulsa dominated for three quarters before Oklahoma State attempted a late comeback, ultimately falling short. The defeat was especially jarring given Oklahoma State’s historical success under Gundy, who previously guided the team to a near-national championship appearance in 2011. This loss has many questioning if the program’s once-consistent winning formula has run its course.

The outcome has led to intense scrutiny of Gundy’s coaching decisions, particularly concerning Oklahoma State’s struggles against both Oregon (a 69-3 loss) and Tulsa, especially considering the latter started its backup quarterback. The contrast has been stark, fueling the narrative that a once-respected program is failing to adapt to the changing dynamics of college football.

The Evolving Landscape of College Football

the core of the criticism centers on Gundy’s recent handling of player recruitment and retention in the era of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and the transfer portal.For three seasons, the Cowboys reportedly refrained from aggressively pursuing players through these avenues, while competing programs heavily utilized them.This strategic decision has been widely debated, with many believing it created a talent gap that contributed to the recent on-field failures.

According to data from On3.com, the average NIL valuation of a Power Five football player has increased by over 200% in the last two years. Schools actively engaged in NIL deals, like the University of Texas and the University of Georgia, have seen a corresponding boost in recruitment success. This places further pressure on Oklahoma State’s approach.

School	Average NIL Valuation (2024)	Transfer Portal Success Rate (%)
University of Georgia	$750,000	85%
University of Texas	$680,000	78%
Oklahoma State University	$320,000	55%

Did You Know? The NCAA transfer portal has seen a 50% increase in player entries over the past five years, highlighting the growing mobility of student-athletes.

pro Tip: For college football fans, staying informed about NIL developments and transfer portal activity is crucial for understanding team dynamics and future performance.

The Ultimatum and the Future of Coach Gundy

Adding fuel to the fire, reports surfaced that Oklahoma State’s management presented Gundy with an ultimatum during the offseason: accept a pay cut and reduced buyout or face termination. He ultimately chose to take the pay cut, leading to speculation about his commitment and the program’s direction. The recent losses have only intensified those concerns.

The situation is further complicated by Gundy’s long tenure and iconic status at oklahoma State. He transformed the program from a perennial underdog into a consistent Big 12 contender. However, his supporters are now wrestling with the arduous question of when loyalty must give way to the pursuit of renewed success. The current leadership now faces a tough decision: continue with a coach who once delivered greatness, or seek a new leader capable of navigating the challenges of the modern college football landscape.

The Broader Implications for College Football Programs

The Oklahoma State situation serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing established college football programs in a rapidly evolving environment. Coaches who once thrived on traditional recruiting methods and player development must now adapt to the realities of NIL, the transfer portal, and the increasing commodification of college athletics.

The ability to effectively utilize these new tools is no longer optional; it’s essential for competing at the highest level.Programs that fail to embrace these changes risk falling behind, as evidenced by Oklahoma State’s recent struggles. The stakes are high,and the future of many coaching careers hangs in the balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Name,Image,and Likeness (NIL) in college sports? NIL refers to the ability of college athletes to profit from their personal brand through endorsements,appearances,and other commercial activities.
• How does the transfer portal impact college football? The transfer portal allows student-athletes to freely transfer to other universities, creating increased player movement and competition for talent.
• What are the key factors contributing to Oklahoma State’s recent struggles? A combination of factors, including recruiting challenges, strategic decisions regarding NIL and the transfer portal, and on-field performance issues.
• is Mike Gundy likely to be fired? The possibility of Gundy’s dismissal remains high, given the recent losses and the pressure from fans and administration.
• What is the meaning of Tulsa’s victory over Oklahoma State? It’s a historic upset, marking Tulsa’s first win in Stillwater since 1951, and a significant blow to Oklahoma State’s program.

Will Oklahoma State leaders make a change, and can the program regain its former glory? What do you think the next steps should be for the Cowboys? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Does the resurfacing of past allegations alongside the 2023 controversy indicate a pattern of behavior that warrants further investigation into Gundy’s leadership?

Is It Time too Reassess Mike Gundy’s Conduct at 58?

The 2023 Controversy & Its Lingering Impact

The 2023 social media controversy surrounding Oklahoma State university head football coach Mike Gundy remains a notable point of discussion. A photo resurfaced depicting Gundy wearing a t-shirt with the logo of One America News Network (OANN), a far-right news outlet. This sparked immediate backlash, particularly from players who expressed concerns about racial injustice and the perceived alignment with divisive ideologies.Key players like Chuba Hubbard, then a star running back, voiced their concerns publicly, leading to a meeting with Gundy and university president Veldman.

This incident wasn’t isolated.Prior accusations of creating a “culture of fear” within the program, detailed in reports by The Oklahoman and other outlets, resurfaced. These allegations included claims of verbal abuse and intimidation tactics towards players. The fallout included gundy apologizing and agreeing to diversity training, but the questions about his leadership style and sensitivity lingered. The incident highlighted the growing power of student-athletes to demand accountability from their coaches and institutions.

Examining Gundy’s Coaching Tenure & Success

Mike Gundy has been the head coach at Oklahoma State since 2005,building a consistently competitive program. His record speaks for itself:

* Bowl Game Appearances: 19 in 20 seasons (as of september 2025).

* big 12 Championships: 1 (2011).

* Winning Seasons: 17 out of 20 seasons.

* Notable Player Development: Gundy has overseen the development of numerous NFL players, including several high draft picks.

This sustained success has earned him a reputation as one of the most stable and successful coaches in the Big 12 Conference.However,success on the field doesn’t automatically negate concerns about off-field conduct and leadership. The question becomes: can continued winning outweigh documented issues with program culture?

The Evolving Landscape of College Athletics & Coach Accountability

The current climate in college athletics is drastically different than it was even a decade ago. The introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and the transfer portal have empowered student-athletes in unprecedented ways. This shift has led to increased scrutiny of coaches and programs, with athletes feeling more comfortable speaking out against perceived injustices.

Furthermore, the broader societal focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) has placed a greater emphasis on the obligation of leaders – including college coaches – to foster inclusive environments.Universities are now under pressure to address allegations of misconduct swiftly and transparently. The case of Art Briles at Baylor University serves as a cautionary tale, demonstrating the long-term consequences of failing to address serious allegations of misconduct.

Age & Leadership: Is 58 Too Old to Adapt?

At 58, Mike Gundy is not a young coach. While age doesn’t automatically equate to inflexibility, it raises questions about his ability – or willingness – to adapt to the changing demands of the modern college athletic landscape.

* Generational Differences: A significant gap exists between Gundy’s generation and the current generation of student-athletes. understanding and effectively communicating with players from different backgrounds and with different expectations is crucial.

* Evolving Leadership Styles: Conventional, authoritarian coaching styles are increasingly being challenged. Players now respond better to coaches who prioritize mentorship, empathy, and open communication.

* Commitment to DEI: A genuine and demonstrable commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is no longer optional for college coaches. It’s a necessity.

The Financial Implications of Change

Oklahoma State University recently extended Gundy’s contract through 2030, a deal worth approximately $7.2 million annually. This financial commitment makes a change in leadership difficult, even if the university were inclined to make one. However, the potential damage to the program’s reputation and recruiting efforts could ultimately outweigh the financial cost of a coaching change. Negative publicity can deter top recruits and alienate potential donors.

Assessing the Current Program Culture

Recent reports suggest that while the immediate aftermath of the 2023 controversy saw some positive changes, concerns about the program’s culture persist. anonymous interviews with current and former players indicate that while overt abuse may have decreased, a sense of fear and intimidation still exists within the program. This suggests that the diversity training and apologies were not enough to address the underlying issues. A truly transformative change requires a essential shift in leadership ideology and a commitment to creating a safe and inclusive habitat for all players.

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