Gundy Exit: OSU AD Defends Handling, Focuses on Future

Oklahoma State Parts Ways with mike Gundy: A New Era Dawns in Stillwater

Oklahoma State University made a seismic shift ⁢in​ its football programme Tuesday, announcing the firing of head coach Mike Gundy after nearly two decades at the helm. The decision,⁣ made by Athletic director Chad Weiberg, signals a clear ​intent to revitalize the Cowboys’ gridiron fortunes and navigate⁤ the evolving ​landscape ‌of college football. ‌This article provides a ⁣thorough overview of⁣ the​ situation, the reasoning ⁣behind‍ the move, and what lies ahead for ⁤Oklahoma‌ State football.

A Tough,‌ But Necessary Decision

weiberg confirmed he⁢ personally informed Gundy of the‍ decision Tuesday morning. Recognizing Gundy’s​ significant contributions to the program, Weiberg emphasized⁤ the importance of ‌handling the transition with respect‌ and dignity, contributing to⁢ the timing⁤ of the ​announcement. However, recent performance and ‍a vision for the program’s future ultimately drove the difficult choice.

Recent Struggles & Contractual⁢ Obligations

gundy, 58, departs as the winningest coach in Oklahoma ⁣State history, but his recent record painted a concerning picture. The Cowboys endured a disappointing 3-9‍ season in ⁤2024 – their first losing season as 2005 – and entered 2025 on a frustrating 11-game losing ⁣streak ‍against FBS opponents.

Key factors contributing to the decision:

* ​ ⁤ On-Field Performance: A particularly jarring 69-3 loss to Oregon and ⁣a subsequent defeat to Tulsa highlighted the program’s struggles.
* ⁣ Investment‌ vs.Results: Despite “significant investments” in the program following‌ the ‌2024 season, the on-field results failed to improve.
* ‍ ‍ Long-Term Vision: Weiberg stressed the need to focus on ‌the program’s health and competitiveness not just in‌ the short ⁢term,but over the next several years.

Gundy will receive a full⁤ $15 million buyout as stipulated in his contract, which was set to‌ expire after the 2028 season. He was not offered the possibility to‍ coach through the ⁣remainder of the 2025 season.

Interim Leadership⁢ & The Coaching Search

Doug Meacham, the first-year offensive coordinator, will assume the role of interim head coach, beginning with this Saturday’s game⁤ against Baylor. rob‌ Glass, the longtime strength and conditioning‍ coach, will oversee administrative​ duties during ‍the transition.

Weiberg will lead the search for Gundy’s permanent‌ replacement. He is expected to‌ sign a new four-year contract with a raise from his current ‌$750,000 annual salary, solidifying his position to guide the program forward. While a definitive timeline for the hire hasn’t been established, the early start allows Oklahoma State to ‌proactively lay ​the groundwork‌ for attracting top candidates.

Navigating ‍the Modern College Football Landscape

The timing ‌of this decision is particularly noteworthy given the⁢ rapidly changing dynamics⁣ of ⁣college ‌football, including Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) ‌and revenue sharing. Gundy ‍had⁢ previously expressed​ reservations about these developments.‍

Weiberg, however, emphasized Oklahoma State’s commitment to providing the resources necessary to compete. “This is⁢ not an inexpensive football team that we have on⁤ the field this⁣ season,” ‌he stated, signaling a willingness to‌ invest in the program’s future success.

Looking​ Ahead: A Program‍ Poised‌ for‌ Success

Despite⁣ the difficult decision, Weiberg remains‌ optimistic about the future of ‌Oklahoma State football. He acknowledged⁤ Gundy’s legacy, emphasizing that the program has established a foundation for competing for Big 12 championships and College ⁢Football Playoff berths.

Weiberg ⁤concluded with a call for unity: “It will be critically critically important for the OSU‍ family to unite ‍behind the next leader of Cowboy football.”

This transition represents ⁣a pivotal ‍moment for Oklahoma State. The university now has the opportunity to identify a coach who can not only build upon Gundy’s successes but also navigate the complexities of‌ the modern​ college football era and​ lead the Cowboys ⁢to new heights. The search will be closely watched by fans and observers alike, as Oklahoma State aims to remain a competitive force ​in the Big 12 and⁢ beyond.

Key Takeaways:

* Mike Gundy was fired as oklahoma‌ State’s ‍head⁢ coach due⁤ to recent ‍performance and a desire ​for a new direction.
* Doug Meacham will serve‌ as interim head coach.
* ‌ Athletic ‍Director Chad Weiberg ‍will lead the search for a⁣ permanent replacement.
* oklahoma State is committed ​to investing in its football program and ⁢competing at a