Mike Gundy’s Oklahoma State in Crisis: A $25M Dilemma Forces Program to Rethink Strategies
Oklahoma State football is in an unprecedented crisis. A season that began with deceptive hope at 3-0 spiraled into chaos, culminating in nine consecutive Big 12 losses. For a program that has enjoyed years of success under head coach Mike Gundy, this season feels like an anomaly—but one that comes with severe repercussions. Gundy, who took the reins in 2005, built a legacy of resilience and winning seasons. However, the current turmoil casts a long shadow over his tenure, placing immense pressure on the administration to find solutions. But is firing Gundy truly the answer?
The $25 Million Problem
Mike Gundy’s contract adds a layer of complexity to Oklahoma State’s dilemma. As The Oklahoman’s Austin Curtright reports, Gundy is locked into a five-year rollover contract that automatically extends every January 1. With his 2024 salary set at $7.75 million and an annual $125,000 raise built into the deal, the buyout cost for firing him would reach nearly $25 million.
College football analyst RJ Young weighed in on the matter, noting, “$25 million doesn’t sound like a whole lot when we talk about firing people now because we’ve seen people fired for way more, but it’s still a lot for a place like Oklahoma State.” The looming financial burden has prompted the Oklahoma State Board of Regents to request a restructured contract for Gundy. As Young pointed out, the Cowboys are considering following Southern Methodist University’s (SMU) example by redirecting funds to their NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) program to attract high-profile players.
Lessons from SMU: A Path Forward
If Oklahoma State opts for a restructured contract, they could emulate SMU’s blueprint for success. SMU, under head coach Rhett Lashlee, transformed its program through strategic investments in recruitment and coaching. Last season, SMU secured an AAC Championship victory, and this year, the Mustangs boast an 11-win record and an ACC Championship berth against Clemson.
The secret? Money and vision. According to RJ Young, SMU’s rise stemmed from securing key players like quarterback Kevin Jennings, a local Dallas talent. Lashlee also built a stellar coaching staff, hiring defensive coordinator Scott Symons from Liberty and offensive coordinator Casey Woods in 2021. Their creative strategies and tactical brilliance have elevated SMU into playoff contention, proving that targeted investments can yield significant returns.
Young observed, “Southern Methodists turned this season and last season into the magic year that you thought it could be with realignment and the college football playoff extending. They are up 15,000% in ticket sales, and there was no hotter ticket among the new schools to the new conferences than the University of Texas and Southern Methodist football.”
The Road Ahead for Oklahoma State
For Gundy and Oklahoma State, the question remains: can they replicate SMU’s success without severing ties with their long-term head coach? The financial constraints make it nearly impossible to fire Gundy outright, but a collaborative approach—where he agrees to a pay cut to bolster NIL funds—could provide a lifeline for the program.
While this season has been a harsh reality check for the Cowboys, it also offers an opportunity to rebuild strategically. By learning from SMU’s rise and investing wisely in recruitment and coaching, Oklahoma State can re-establish itself as a Big 12 contender. Whether Gundy remains at the helm or not, the path forward requires bold decisions and a unified vision.
