College athletic departments are not waiting for December to roll around to make changes this season. It is only the first week of fall and already three Power Four coaches have been relieved of their duties.
The most notable of the group was announced Tuesday when Oklahoma State announced it was parting ways with longtime coach Mike Gundy. The 58-year-old Cowboys alum had been head coach of the program since 2005.
In that time, Gundy compiled 170 wins during his time as head coach in Stillwater. The Midwest City, Okla. native was a quarterback for the Cowboys from 1986-89 and led the team to two bowl victories during his time as a player.
Oklahoma State won at least 10 games in two of the last five seasons, but the program has been headed in the wrong direction the last two years. The Cowboys finished with a 3-9 record in 2024 and were not able to secure a victory in nine opportunities during Big 12 play.
This season, the team earned just one win after defeating UT Martin, an FCS program, 27-7 in Week 1. The Cowboys were then upended on the road by Oregon, 69-3, in their second game.
The outcome that pushed Oklahoma State to make a move took place last Saturday when the Cowboys dropped their Week 4 matchup with Tulsa, 19-12, at Boone Pickens Stadium. It marked the first time the Cowboys lost to Tulsa since 1951.
Oklahoma State was coming off a bye week ahead of the matchup with Tulsa adding to the impact of the loss.
That defeat was enough to influence the Oklahoma State administration to make a move.
“Cowboy Football reached an unprecedented level of success and national prominence under Coach Gundy’s leadership,” Oklahoma State athletic director Chad Weiberg said in a statement released by the program Tuesday. “I believe I speak for OSU fans everywhere when I say that we are grateful for all he did to raise the standard and show us all what is possible for Oklahoma State football.”
New era changing the complexion of college athletics
The NIL and now revenue-sharing eras in college athletics have changed how programs operate. Building a winning team without proper funding has become difficult. In recent years, Gundy has been outspoken about the changing face of college football. Which has been with led by the advent of the transfer portal and NIL component of roster building. His comments on the disparity between his program’s $7 million NIL budget and what he described as a $40 million budget for Oregon grabbed headlines.
The day before his dismissal, Gundy again was critical of the new age of college football and the influence NIL and revenue sharing on the game.
“College football, as we all know, has changed in a very, very dramatic fashion,” Gundy said Monday. “And, it’s really not the old college football. This is a paid game. So, whether I agree with it or not, makes zero difference. It’s like being in an argument with your wife and you know you’re right. Makes zero difference.
“You’re wrong. Might as well just get over it, give in. Things are gonna be much smoother.”
Weiberg focused heavily on the changes within college football when addressing the future of the program following Gundy’s dismissal.
“College football has changed drastically in the last few years, and the investment needed to compete at the highest level has never been more important,” Weiberg said. “As we search for the next head coach of Cowboy Football, we are looking for someone who can lead our program in this new era. …
“Moving forward, it is critical for our fans, alumni and donors to align behind Cowboy Football. This is a pivotal moment, the stakes have never been higher and we need everyone on board.”
Gundy’s legacy at his alma mater
Oklahoma State lost its last nine games of the 2024 season marking the beginning of the end for Gundy. However, the program had several accomplishments under his guidance. That included eight seasons with at least 10 wins plus an outright Big 12 title in 2011.
The Cowboys earned a share of the conference crown in the 2010 season. The team was also ranked inside the top 10 of the Associated Press Top 25 poll in 11 of his 20 years at the helm.
Still, Gundy was sometimes known more for his mullet hairstyle and outspoken nature as much as what his team accomplished on the field. His “I’m a man, I’m 40” rant stemming from his criticism of an article written about an Oklahoma State player in 2007 is still referenced in popular culture.
The Cowboys will move forward with offensive coordinator Doug Meacham taking over as the interim head coach until Oklahoma State can find a replacement for Gundy.
Oklahoma State is now the fourth Power Four program that will in search of a head coach. Stanford parted ways with former head coach Troy Taylor in the spring and brought in former NFL coach Frank Reich on an interim basis for the 2025 season. DeShaun Foster at UCLA and Brent Pry at Virginia Tech were both fired in recent weeks following 0-3 starts to the season.