The Oklahoma State Cowboys are in the process of replacing the only head football coach the program has known since the end of the BCS era. In firing Mike Gundy, OSU committed to the future, NIL, something Gundy was resistant to.
USF Bulls coach Alex Golesh is one of the hottest names in the cycle following his team’s 18-16 upset of the Florida Gators in Week 2, one that followed a stunning 34-7 destruction of the Boise State Broncos. College Football HQ On SI’s Jonathan Adams acknowledged his candidacy, but claimed the “smart money” is on Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson replacing Gundy.
Adams mentioned Robinson’s ties to Gundy as a positive in his prospects with the Pokes. He also mentioned that Falcons fans wouldn’t miss Robinson if he left Atlanta.
“Smart money appears to be on former Oklahoma State quarterback Zac Robinson coming home. Robinson still gives the Pokes someone with ties to Gundy but would also provide a fresh direction in Stillwater. The Falcons offense is not exactly breaking records, and Atlanta fans may offer to help Robinson pack,” Adams wrote.
Oklahoma State would be moving backwards from the Gundy era, getting someone who has negative momentum as a hire. While OSU has been slumping for two straight seasons, the Cowboys are two years removed from a Big 12 Championship Game berth against the Texas Longhorns.
Gundy didn’t fully embrace NIL, but he did embrace restructuring his contract for the greater good of the program. That he was canned so soon after may scare off certain candidates.
Robinson probably wouldn’t be, and his value is much higher to Oklahoma State than anywhere else. The 39-year-old played for Gundy in the late aughts.
We’ll see how the hiring process plays out in Stillwater. Robinson has emerged as an early frontrunner, but there’s still time for someone else to emerge.