Oklahoma State Football: Mike Gundy Big 12’s Most Underrated Coach

Jan 1, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys head coach Mike Gundy celebrates a victory with defensive end Cooper Bassett (80) against the Purdue Boilermakers at the Cotton Bowl. The Cowboys beat the Boilermakers 58-14. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

After consulting with myself for a while I came to this conclusion: Mike Gundy is the most underrated coach in the Big 12.

Gundy’s work speaks for itself. A 67-35 record dating back from 2005 until now, five consecutive seasons of no less than 8 wins, Big 12 coach of the year in 2011, Big 12 and Fiesta Bowl title in 2011, and he led the Pokes to a 23-3 record from 2010-2011. He has completely turned the program around for the better.

In my opinion no coach is a better fit for their team in the Big 12 than Mike Gundy is for the Oklahoma State Cowboys. He has uplifted the Pokes from mere bowl berths to competing for conference titles in just a few seasons. Whatever method he’s using over there, it’s clearly working in his favor.

Remember when Gundy had a record of 18-19 after his first three seasons as the Pokes’ head coach? Those days are long gone. He’s on a roll to say the least. The Cowboys are a legitimate threat not just to the Big 12, but to the entire NCAA. He wants a National Title, he wants it bad, he wants it now, and it’s very possible.

Of course there’s Kansas State head coach Bill Snyder, one of the greatest of all time. There’s OU head coach Bob Stoops who has had a very successful tenure, TCU head coach Gary Patterson and Baylor head coach Art Briles who are great as well. But it seems as if Mike Gundy isn’t taken as seriously as he should be and it doesn’t sit well with me.

Every critic that keeps shunning Oklahoma State like they’re not serious will eat their words soon. The program is elevating and there’s no sign of a decline. Mike Gundy has led Oklahoma State out of the dark into a new era, he deserves credit, a lot of credit.