The real mess at Oklahoma State: Mike Gundy fired by an AD working on expired contract

Jeff Hauser

The real mess at Oklahoma State: Mike Gundy fired by an AD working on expired contract image

Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy was fired on Tuesday after more than two decades in Stillwater. The 58-year-old was the second-longest tenured FBS coach and left after two bad seasons, including a disappointing loss to Tulsa in Week 4.

Gundy put up eight double-digit win seasons and 18 bowl appearances over the course of his time with the program. However, the Cowboys have been behind the current era of college football. It's one of the major reasons why Gundy negotiated a restructured contract to stay at OSU during the offseason. He agreed to a flat $15 million buyout, which saved OSU over $10 million.

Despite the news of Gundy's downfall coming to an end for the Cowboys, perhaps one of the oddest storylines to surface from the matter is Oklahoma State athletic director Chad Weiberg working off an expired contract. How does that happen in this era of college sports? Also, what's really going on in Stillwater?


Weiberg's previous deal as vice president of athletics ran through June 30th of this year with no extension signed. There have been rumors about him receiving a new contract, but nothing has officially been announced.  

“Cowboy Football reached an unprecedented level of success and national prominence under Coach Gundy’s leadership,” Weiberg said. “I believe I speak for OSU fans everywhere when I say that we are grateful for all he did to raise the standard and show us all what is possible for Oklahoma State football.”

With Gundy out and Weiberg without a deal, where does this leave Oklahoma State? The landscape of college football has changed drastically in the last few years, and there's no big-time booster for the program like T. Boone Pickens, who funded the school on many levels. The investment needed to compete at the highest level for OSU has never been more important.

"As we search for the next head coach of Cowboy Football, we are looking for someone who can lead our program in this new era," Weiberg added. "It is also important that we continue to support our student-athletes, our staff and our university through the season, and I hope that our fans continue to show that support in Boone Pickens Stadium this fall."

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Jeff Hauser

Jeff Hauser is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He has over twenty years of experience and is a two-time Emmy Award winner, Heisman Trophy and Biletnikoff Award voter. Among the events he has covered are the Super Bowl, College Football Playoff, World Series, World Cup, and WBC Boxing. Hauser is a regular guest on FOX Sports and ESPN Radio. He previously wrote for Sports Illustrated, SB Nation and Athlon Sports.