Introduction: Hold onto Your Visors, Folks!
The Oklahoma wind howls a little differently today. After two decades of unwavering sideline presence, a cascade of wins, and enough personality to power Boone Pickens Stadium, Mike Gundy’s reign as head coach of the Oklahoma State Cowboys has abruptly concluded. The legendary mullet, a symbol of a specific brand of Oklahoma football, will no longer grace the sidelines. It’s a seismic shift in Stillwater, marking the end of a captivating era. So, how did we get here? Let’s dissect the Gundy enigma.
Part 1: From Hometown Hero to “Mr. Cowboy” – A Storied History
Consider this: Gundy isn’t just another coach who happened to wander into Stillwater. He is Stillwater. A record-setting quarterback for the Cowboys in the late 80s, he bled orange and black long before he patrolled the sidelines. He was a local kid who embodied the spirit of Oklahoma State. Think about the weight of that connection – the ingrained understanding of the university’s culture, the unwavering loyalty to its traditions.
Then, he began building. The transformation of Oklahoma State under Gundy’s leadership is undeniable. From a program often relegated to the fringes of the Big 12 conversation, he forged a perennial contender. Eighteen consecutive winning seasons (2006-2023!) don’t happen by accident. A Big 12 title in 2011? A tangible manifestation of his vision. And those 170 wins? A record that cements his place in OSU history, regardless of the events that transpired recently. He didn’t just coach; he rebuilt.
But beyond the wins and the accolades, there was the “Gundy Brand.” The mullet, which emerged in 2016, became a cultural phenomenon, a symbol of his unapologetic authenticity. The rattlesnake hunting expeditions, the somewhat bewildering shirtless photo with a player – these weren’t calculated marketing ploys; they were glimpses into the genuine, unfiltered character of the man. Love him or hate him, he was undeniably himself.
Part 2: The Rants, The Rifts, and The Resilient Mullet – Gundy’s Controversial Playbook
Ah, yes, the “I’m a Man, I’m 40!” moment. September 2007. A press conference for the ages. A fiery, impassioned defense of his players against perceived media slights. The soundbite launched a thousand t-shirts and cemented Gundy’s image as a fiercely loyal coach, unafraid to challenge the establishment. It was peak Gundy – raw emotion, unfiltered passion, and a healthy dose of defiance.
But the “I’m 40!” rant was just the tip of the iceberg. Gundy’s tenure was punctuated by a series of verbal sparring matches, from public disagreements with influential booster T. Boone Pickens to that unfortunate “jack—” comment directed at a reporter. He possessed a remarkable ability to generate controversy, yet also knew how to walk back when he went too far. Remember the OAN T-shirt incident in 2020, which prompted a player revolt led by Chuba Hubbard? A humbling moment, followed by a necessary apology.
Then came the shifting landscape of college football. Gundy’s initial resistance to the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) and the Transfer Portal was well-documented. He viewed the portal as “dangerous,” a potential destabilizer. A perspective, perhaps, rooted in a bygone era of college athletics, before the rampant movement of players became commonplace. He later admitted this hurt the team’s depth, demonstrating at least a willingness to adapt, even if reluctantly.
In 2024, there were whispers and then shouts. His comments downplaying a player’s DUI arrest and dismissing critical fans as “failures” didn’t exactly endear him to the Cowboy faithful during what became a very difficult season. Let’s not forget his 2025 comments regarding Oregon’s sizable NIL budget, which stirred the ire of the Ducks’ coach and subsequently went viral.
And then, of course, there was the time a cow head-butted him during a Zoom press conference, forcing him to continue the meeting off-camera. Because, well, only Gundy.
Part 3: The End of an Era – When the Winning Stopped
The decline, when it arrived, was precipitous. The 2024 season was nothing short of disastrous: a 3-9 overall record, a winless campaign in the Big 12 (0-9). It was the first time in two decades that Oklahoma State had failed to secure a single conference victory. A red flag of considerable size.
The 2025 season offered no respite. A 1-2 start, highlighted by a 69-3 drubbing at the hands of Oregon and a stunning home loss to Tulsa, only amplified the discontent. The “Fire Gundy” chants, once unthinkable, grew louder, more insistent.
The inescapable truth? Gundy’s “old-school” approach, despite attempts to modernize, simply couldn’t keep pace with the ever-evolving landscape of college football. His inability to consistently win in the NIL and Transfer Portal era, combined with a steady stream of controversies and escalating fan frustration, became an insurmountable obstacle.
The timing of his dismissal – September 23, 2025 – carries a certain poetic irony. Almost 18 years to the day after his “I’m 40!” outburst, his tenure at Oklahoma State reached its conclusion.
Part 4: What Now? Life After the Mullet (for OSU and Gundy)
Oklahoma State is now faced with the unenviable task of filling the void left by Gundy. The university will pay a reported $15 million as part of his restructured contract. The coaching carousel in Stillwater begins its spin for the first time in over two decades. Names like former Cowboys OC Dana Holgorsen and current Texas A&M OC Collin Klein are already being mentioned. Daunting shoes to fill.
And what of Gundy himself? Retirement to his ranch, perhaps? A new coaching challenge at another program? A role as a television analyst, where he can truly unleash his unfiltered opinions? Before his firing, he maintained that his love of coaching hadn’t waned. His future remains an open question.
Conclusion: A Complex Legacy, A New Horizon
Mike Gundy’s time at Oklahoma State was a tapestry woven with extraordinary triumphs, frustrating setbacks, and moments of sheer, unadulterated entertainment. He departs as the program’s most successful and influential coach.
However, his story also serves as a stark reminder of the immense pressure and the imperative for continuous adaptation in the unforgiving realm of college football.
The Gundy era has ended, but the memories – and the legendary mullet – will persist in Stillwater folklore. Both Gundy and Oklahoma State now face uncharted territory, brimming with uncertainty and possibility. The next chapter begins now.
