It’s a new era in the Big 12.
Oklahoma State has fired longtime head coach Mike Gundy, the program announced Tuesday.
The news was first reported by several local outlets as well as Pete Thamel of ESPN.
“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. “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.”
Gundy was in the midst of his 21st season leading Oklahoma State’s program, having also played quarterback for the Cowboys from 1986-89.
Widely considered the best head coach in Oklahoma State history, Gundy posted a 170-90 lifetime record at his alma mater. He went 12-6 in bowl games, won the 2011 Big 12 championship and was named Big 12 Coach of the Year three times, most recently in 2023.
However, Gundy struggled toward the end of his tenure, as the Cowboys finished 3-9 last season and opened 2025 at 1-2. A home loss to Tulsa this past weekend was the final straw for Gundy, as Oklahoma State will now pay him a $15 million contract buyout to end his coaching services.
Gundy is perhaps most famous for his “I’m a man! I’m 40!” rant in 2007, which became an iconic moment within the college football world and a rallying cry of sorts for Oklahoma State fans.
In addition to the rant, he was also known for his trademark mullet hairstyle and other eccentric quotes and behavior, such as suffering an eye injury the week of last year’s game against BYU after having an altercation with a cow.
Gundy had been the longest-tenured coach in the Big 12 at the time of his dismissal, with Utah’s Kyle Whittingham now taking his place.
Oklahoma State has reportedly named offensive coordinator Doug Meacham as its interim head coach for the remainder of 2025. According to ESPN analytics, the Cowboys are projected to lose all nine of their remaining games this season.
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