Mike Gundy’s run at Oklahoma State has ended, but the 58-year-old isn’t ready to walk away. And this time, he’s not alone. His younger brother, longtime Oklahoma assistant Cale Gundy, told Brett McMurphy exactly how serious they are about coaching again: “Hell yes & I’m going with him.”
That makes the Gundys a rare package deal. A head coach with nearly two decades of experience and 18 consecutive bowl trips, paired with one of the most respected recruiters in the Big 12 and SEC footprint. Together, they bring instant credibility to any program.
I asked Cale Gundy, former Oklahoma assistant & Mike Gundy’s younger brother, if Mike wants to continue coaching.
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) September 23, 2025
”Hell yes & I'm going with him,” Cale said
One of the most intriguing destinations is Stanford. Frank Reich has already called his stint as interim coach a one-year run, and Andrew Luck, now operating as a GM-style figure for the Cardinal, could look to the very man who denied him glory in the 2012 Fiesta Bowl. Mike’s veteran stability paired with Cale’s Texas recruiting pipelines would give Stanford a national footprint as it continues to compete in the ACC.
Arkansas also stands out. Sam Pittman’s seat is warming in Fayetteville, and SEC patience is thin. For boosters craving stability, the Gundys would offer a steady hand and recruiting power in neighboring states.
Wisconsin is another fascinating possibility. Luke Fickell hasn’t delivered the breakthrough fans in Madison were expecting, and if the Badgers decide to move on, the hire would almost certainly be a proven veteran. This is not a program that would gamble on the next G5 up-and-comer. Gundy, with over two decades of Power 4 experience, fits the mold of the established coach Wisconsin would pursue to steady the program in the Big Ten.
Memphis has ambitions that go beyond the AAC. If Ryan Silverfield departs, the Tigers could make a splash hire to position themselves for future realignment. Silverfield, whose Memphis squad has won 25 of its last 30 games, could very well be a strong candidate to replace Gundy at Oklahoma State. If that move happens, the Tigers would need another proven leader, and Mike Gundy’s name recognition and track record of winning would instantly make Memphis the league’s flagship program.
Tulane could face a major transition soon. Jon Sumrall is one of the hottest young coaches in the country and widely projected to be at a major job by 2026. If he makes that jump, the Green Wave would be left searching for stability. Gundy fits the bill as a veteran coach who’s already proven he can sustain success. Just as Sumrall could move up, Gundy sliding into Tulane would keep the program nationally relevant and help avoid a rebuild.
UAB has invested heavily in facilities but results under Trent Dilfer have been underwhelming. If the Blazers want to accelerate their rise in the AAC, turning to a coach like Gundy would give them instant credibility and established leadership. This job is tough to get a read on as more than a few UAB fans have expressed displeasure in the current athletic administration and have questioned their decisions repeatedly.
North Texas and SMU fall into a different category. Both programs have resources and recruiting access that make them attractive jobs. But any opening here depends strictly on their current coaches moving on; which may or may not happen. If those dominoes fall, Gundy would at least be on the radar as an experienced stabilizer.
Cincinnati deserves close watching. Scott Satterfield is under mounting pressure after going 3–9 and 5–7 in his first two years. The Bearcats need to be bowling in 2025, or change becomes likely. Gundy’s Big 12 familiarity, veteran résumé, and ability to steady a wobbling program would make him a natural fit if Cincinnati decides it needs to pivot.
Finally, Texas State looms as a dark horse. G.J. Kinne is one of the fastest risers in the country and appears destined for a Power 4 job. If he bolts, Texas State could shock the country by hiring Gundy, instantly elevating its national profile. With the Bobcats moving into the new Pac-12 next year, this job carries more weight than ever before and would give Gundy a fresh stage to prove he can win in a new-look league.
The bottom line is clear. Mike and Cale Gundy aren’t just floating names in the carousel. They’re offering a ready-made staff with deep recruiting ties and decades of proven experience. For some programs, the appeal is in the two-for-one package. For others, it’s simply Mike Gundy’s proven ability to win. Either way, the Gundys represent one of the most intriguing options in college football’s next coaching cycle.
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