Mike Gundy’s tenure at Oklahoma State ended this week in a move that, while expected by many, left a sour taste in how it was handled. The decision to part ways with the longtime head coach wasn’t necessarily the issue — the execution was. A coach who had given nearly two decades to the program was dismissed in a way that felt rushed, disorganized, and, frankly, disrespectful.
The firing of Gundy makes football sense. But the timeline and communication surrounding the decision raise serious questions about the leadership inside the Oklahoma State athletic department.
Gundy’s Contract and the Public Perception
Still Under Contract
Just one day before his firing, Mike Gundy stood before the media and confidently reminded reporters that he was “under contract for three and a half more years.” At that point, it appeared he was still secure in his role, at least publicly. The university gave no indication otherwise.
That quote, now echoing as a footnote to an unceremonious ending, only highlights how poor the internal communication must have been, either with Gundy himself or within the athletic department.
The Writing Was on the Wall
Gundy’s seat had been warm for a while. A disappointing stretch in recruiting, fan unrest, and declining results made it clear that change was coming. It wasn’t necessarily shocking that the university decided to move in a different direction. What’s shocking is that they waited until days after Gundy’s final game and even allowed him to speak publicly before pulling the trigger.
The Timeline: Confusing, Cold, and Mishandled
Friday Game, Tuesday Firing
Oklahoma State played Tulsa the previous Friday. That left an entire weekend, and the better part of Monday, to make and communicate a decision in a more organized fashion. Instead, the university waited until Tuesday, which made the entire process feel reactive and poorly thought out.
If the decision was already made, why not act quickly after the game and allow Gundy the dignity of a final sendoff or at least a private notice before facing the media? If the decision wasn’t yet made, why allow him to speak so publicly with no clarity from above?
The Press Conference Debacle
Allowing Gundy to attend an early-week press conference knowing his job was hanging by a thread, or worse, already decided, is the most inexcusable part of this timeline. It set him up to look out of touch or even dishonest when, in reality, he may have simply been left out of the loop.
If the athletic department had already reached a conclusion, allowing Gundy to publicly speak about his future was unfair. If they hadn’t, then they failed to take control of a situation that needed strong leadership and clear communication.
A Slap in the Face to a Program Legend
Mike Gundy is more than just a coach at Oklahoma State as we all have known him as Oklahoma State legend. He’s been the face of Cowboys football since 2005, building the program into a consistent competitor in the Big 12. Regardless of recent performance, he earned a more professional exit than the one he received.
The way this unfolded sent a message that the university was more concerned about optics than respect. The decision itself? Justifiable. But the optics of it all; the silence, the timing, the mixed signals — spoke volumes.
This wasn’t just a firing. It was a mishandled transition that did a disservice to one of the school’s most recognizable and loyal figures.