Is a career change for Mike Gundy coming?
In September, Oklahoma State University announced that it was parting ways with head football coach Mike Gundy, days before his Big 12 opener against Baylor University, marking his 21st season with the program. The news was heartbreaking for football fans everywhere, as Gundy was an integral part of the Cowboy football program over the last two decades and is an iconic college football coach who is well respected across all conferences.
This decision came after the Cowboys lost to Tulsa, which marked Tulsa’s first victory over Oklahoma State since 1998 and the school’s first win at OSU since 1951.
Oklahoma State athletic director Chad Weiberg said in a statement:
“Cowboy Football reached an unprecedented level of success and national prominence under Coach Gundy’s leadership. 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.”
The decision also comes after Gundy publicly stated that he intended to remain the Pokes’ fearless leader beyond the 2025 season.
“I’m under contract, here, for I think 3½ years. When I was hired here to take this job, ever since that day, I’ve put my heart and soul into this, and I will continue to do that until, at some point, if I say I don’t want to do it or if somebody else says we don’t want you to do it.”
The university’s decision to fire Gundy means Oklahoma State owes him $15 million.
This news is shocking to college football fans everywhere, as Gundy is the second-longest Football Bowl Subdivision head coach. He’s had an incredible run with the Cowboys. However, the Cowboys have been on a downward spiral since the end of the 2023 season. While this news is not shocking to Oklahoma State fans, it is heartbreaking to see it happen mid-season and to think about Gundy’s famed mullet no longer being the face of Cowboy football.
Since being let go by the university, Gundy has kept a very low profile, primarily taking care of his two properties, Stillwater, Oklahoma, and spending two weeks in Colorado after floods hit the city of Pagosa Springs, per Pokes Report. Aside from being spotted around town, dining or running errands, Gundy has really remained out of the public eye since his firing… until now.
Mike Gundy made his triumphant return to the public eye speaking on…. On behalf of the Oklahoma State hockey team?
Don’t get me wrong, Oklahoma State’s hockey team is a stellar ACHA DII team (the club sport team is ranked No. 1 in the Western Region); however, this video feels a little odd yet heartwarming at the same time. It’s tender seeing that Gundy is still sporting OK State gear and cheering on his alma mater, but it’s eerie that he’s jumping from one spot team’s promotion to another and feels like he’s reading off a script–which, who knows, he might be.
Gundy stepped behind the camera to promote the upcoming Bedlam game against the University of Oklahoma, scheduled for the end of February.
“Oklahoma State fans, I’m here, and we’re a hockey school now.
How ’bout that? Oklahoma State hockey. You guys better get your tickets right now to Bedlham—February 28th. I need to come see that myself. I’m excited, I like me some hockey. I’m fired up.
Go Pokes hockey, I love that.”
Like I said, it’s terrific to see that Gundy hasn’t burned all his clothing with Pistol Pete on it, but it feels somewhat strange that his first time speaking on social media since being fired has nothing to do with the matter. Of course, he might want to keep his head down and keep living his life, waiting for the next opportunity.
Many social media users also watched this video and were left with an unsettled feeling… who knows, maybe Gundy could do a major career shift, and this is his way of soft-launching that he’s going into hockey.
