Oklahoma State football may soon confront a defining moment. Mike Gundy, now 58, has been the face of Cowboy football for nearly two decades. His infamous “I’m a man, I’m 40” tirade came in September 2007, 18 years ago. Time has moved quickly, and the conversation around his eventual successor is no longer hypothetical.
According to The Oklahoman, Gundy’s buyout currently sits at 15 million dollars. That number would decrease if Oklahoma State were to wait until after January 1, 2026, to make a move. For a man who has spent nearly four decades in Stillwater as a player, assistant, and head coach, it sets up the possibility of an emotional chapter ending more abruptly than many might have once imagined.
The résumé is impressive. Since taking over in 2005, Gundy has compiled a 170–90 record, including a 12–6 mark in bowl games. Yet the loss tonight to in-state rival Tulsa, a setback already being labeled embarrassing, has only sharpened questions about whether the Cowboys are slipping further behind the Big 12’s emerging contenders.
If a change comes, the short list of candidates is already forming. One name that resonates in Stillwater is Jim Knowles, now the defensive coordinator at Penn State. He previously built some of Oklahoma State’s strongest defenses during his 2018 to 2021 stint under Gundy. Knowles is respected as one of the top defensive minds in the game, but at 60 years old he is two years older than Gundy. That age factor complicates the idea of resetting the program with a next generation leader.
“Fire Gundy” chants in Stillwater 👀
— T ¥ L € R (@TylerEisensmith) September 20, 2025
Another candidate with significant intrigue is Zac Robinson, a former Oklahoma State quarterback now serving as offensive coordinator of the Atlanta Falcons. His alumni status would energize the fan base, and his NFL pedigree carries recruiting weight, though his lack of head coaching experience is a gamble.
Alex Golesh, head coach at South Florida, has built his reputation on offensive innovation and rapid program improvement. Jon Sumrall of Tulane is expected to be one of the most sought after coaches in the country this offseason. He has proven himself as a program builder, guiding teams to consistent success and establishing a culture of toughness and accountability. Sumrall will likely have multiple opportunities to weigh, making Oklahoma State just one of many suitors.
Another up and coming option is G.J. Kinne, the 36 year old head coach at Texas State. He has quickly turned the Bobcats into a Sun Belt contender with his fast paced offensive system. While raw in experience, Kinne represents the type of bold swing that could define the Cowboys’ next era.
Replacing Mike Gundy, the longest tenured coach in the Big 12, will not be easy. Whoever follows him must navigate NIL, the transfer portal, and the expectations of a fan base that has grown accustomed to stability. Whether the decision comes soon or after his buyout drops, Oklahoma State’s next move will shape the program for years to come.
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