Oklahoma State University’s head football coach Mike Gundy has decided to continue with the team after reaching a revised contract agreement, as reported on Saturday.
The new contract is expected to allocate part of his salary towards a revenue-sharing initiative that benefits players. Gundy has expressed his challenges competing financially amidst the evolving landscape of college football.
Despite being considered one of the top contenders in the Big 12 at the start of the season, Oklahoma State encountered a series of injuries and quarterback issues, ultimately leading to a disappointing 3-9 record. The season concluded with a staggering 52-0 loss to Colorado. Following a special meeting held by the school’s Board of Regents on Friday regarding his position, no immediate decisions were made.
Gundy’s impressive track record of 169 wins over two decades, along with two appearances in the Big 12 championship game within the last four years, coupled with a significant buyout, likely played a role in his retention. The Cowboys have experienced a remarkable history, including winning the Big 12 title in 2011 and qualifying for bowl games for 18 consecutive seasons until this year.
This season marked an unusual struggle for the Cowboys, and Gundy’s response to criticism has stirred discontent among the fan base. He remarked, “In most cases, the people that are negative and voicing their opinion are the same ones that can’t pay their own bills. They’re not taking care of themselves. They’re not taking care of their own family. They’re not taking care of their own job. But they have an obligation to speak out and complain about others because it makes them feel better. But then, in the end, when they go to bed at night, they’re the same failure that they were before they said anything negative about anybody else.”
Over the years, Gundy has issued several apologies for his remarks and actions, yet his accomplishments have shielded him from losing his position. In 2020, he apologized for referring to COVID-19 as the “Chinese Virus” and again that year for wearing a T-shirt representing the far-right One America News Network, which displeased star running back Chuba Hubbard.
Reports indicate that the Cowboys will be moving forward without offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn and defensive coordinator Bryan Nardo. Dunn served as offensive coordinator since 2020, including a last season where running back Ollie Gordon II secured the Doak Walker Award as the nation’s premier running back. This season saw Gordon facing challenges, as the highly anticipated offensive line struggled to provide effective support.
Nardo, who joined the team in 2023, experienced a solid inaugural year. However, much of the season he was without key defensive players such as Nick Martin and Collin Oliver, with Martin being recognized as the top defensive player in the Big 12 mid-season awards by the AP.
Defensively, the Cowboys ranked last in the Big 12 for points allowed and yards per game. They surrendered an average of 500.6 yards per game, which was significantly the most in the 16-team league.
