Oklahoma State has decided to move on from Mike Gundy after 21 seasons, per reports.
Gundy and Oklahoma State football go pretty much hand in hand. Lately, the Cowboys' fanbase might not be convinced that was a good thing.
The Cowboys have fallen off as a program, and it's not clear if a revival is coming.
Gundy was 170-90 as Oklahoma State's head coach following the matchup with Tulsa on Sept. 19, 2025. He took the job in 2005 and has been around for two decades.
Oklahoma State's decision to fire Gundy comes with a significant financial cost.
Mike Gundy buyout terms
Mike Gundy's current buyout is $15 million, according to The Oklahoman.
That's what Oklahoma State owes Gundy if he's terminated without cause before the end of 2027.
Had Gundy been terminated without cause after Dec. 31, 2027, the buyout would've dropped to $10 million.
"If the team can’t get back on track, OSU leadership could very well begin looking at the next steps for the program in the middle of the year," writes Scott Wright of The Oklahoman. "Maybe that entails a negotiated buyout of the final three years of his contract and an announcement from Gundy that he will retire at the end of the season. That would allow the program to move on and begin its coaching search, but also salute Gundy for what he’s done to build OSU football into a national brand."
Mike Gundy contract details
Gundy signed a new contract last December.
It reduced his annual salary by $1 million and ran through the end of 2028.
Gundy is making $6.875 million in 2025 and was due for a raise of $125,000 each of the next three seasons.
His contract does allow Gundy to have input in a succession plan to replace him, "if the athletic director so choses," according to The Oklahoman.
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