Mike Gundy may be out at Oklahoma State, but if you think he’s done coaching, think again.
According to his brother, Cale Gundy, the longtime Cowboys head coach is far from finished. In a brief but telling exchange with college football insider Brett McMurphy, Cale was asked if Mike planned to continue his coaching career. His answer?
"“Hell yes — and I’m going with him.”"Cale Gundy
That response says more than just “he’s not done.” It suggests a renewed fire, a clear direction, and loyalty to the game he loves. Cale, who served as an assistant coach at Oklahoma State, seems ready to follow his brother to wherever his next opportunity comes. And he likely won’t be alone.
A New Chapter Waiting to Be Written
Mike Gundy spent nearly two decades building Oklahoma State into a consistent, respected program. Under his leadership, the Cowboys became known for offensive innovation, gritty development, and always being a tough out in the Big 12. But the game evolved, and Gundy did not evolve fast enough to right the ship with this current team.
The world of NIL, the transfer portal, and new-era recruiting requires more flexibility and openness than ever before. And while Gundy had the football mind and pedigree, the off-field dynamics of the modern game seemed to catch up with him. Eventually, so did the administration.
His departure marked the end of an era, one that no OSU fan will forget, but maybe it’s also the start of something new.
Is There a Market for Gundy?
That question will be answered in the coming months. Right now, Gundy’s name isn’t at the top of every coaching search list, but his track record speaks volumes. 18 straight bowl appearances, 100+ career wins, and a reputation as a strong overall coaching mind in all aspects will absolutely draw interest — whether as a head coach at a Group of Five program, a Power Five team looking for stability, or even as an offensive analyst or coordinator at a high-profile school.
The biggest obstacle won’t be his résumé, it’ll be perception. Gundy is seen by some as old-school, resistant to change, and potentially too rigid for today’s player-first, brand-focused culture. But if his brother’s quote is any indication, Mike Gundy is motivated and maybe ready to finally put the ego aside to adapt.
Building a New Staff? No Problem
Cale’s quote also suggests something else: Gundy would have no issue assembling a staff wherever he goes.
Coaches who’ve worked with him before trust him. Assistants from Oklahoma State may be eager to follow. And even for those who didn’t work with Gundy, the appeal of joining a program led by a veteran coach with a proven system could be strong, especially for those looking to rebuild their own careers under someone with a long-term vision.
A Potential Revenge Tour?
Let’s be honest. If Gundy resurfaces and thrives elsewhere, it’s going to sting in Stillwater. OSU fans are still processing his departure, and for some, it felt overdue. For others, it felt like the school let go of a coach who was Oklahoma State football. But regardless of where you stand, the storyline of Gundy rising again; learning from the past, adapting to the new world, and building another winner, would be must-watch TV wherever he goes.
It would be the kind of narrative that college football eats up: the grizzled vet, written off by many, proving he still belongs with his brother and loyal staff by his side.
Final Thoughts: Gundy’s Next Move Is Coming
Whether he’s on the sidelines again this season in some fashion or waits for the right opportunity, one thing is clear: Mike Gundy does not want to be done coaching.
The fire still burns. The knowledge is still there. And now, maybe, the humility and willingness to evolve are joining the equation.
And wherever he ends up, one thing’s for sure — he won’t be alone. Cale’s going. Others likely will too. So buckle up. The next chapter of Mike Gundy’s career might just be his most fascinating yet.