Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy recently shared that he has no interest in retiring, but should the Cowboys even want him back?
A no-call, no-show is usually a fireable offense, which Oklahoma State did in its regular-season finale against Colorado on Friday.
Oklahoma State (3-9, 0-9 in Big 12) lost 52-0 to end its worst season since 1991 when it went 0-10-1 under former head coach Pat Jones.
Gundy has coached the program for the past 20 years, including 18 consecutive bowl appearances (2006-23), the longest streak in program history.
While his history of success at Oklahoma State might give him a longer leash than a less seasoned coach, the Cowboys’ awful end to the season will test the athletic department’s patience and loyalty.
The Buffaloes outgained them 471-147. Colorado had 13 big plays, defined as completions of 15 yards or more and rushing attempts that gained at least 10 yards, for 320 yards, compared to Oklahoma State’s four big plays, which gained 61 yards.
Following Oklahoma State’s 56-48 loss to Texas Tech (7-4, 5-3 in Big 12) in Week 13, Gundy shot down the idea of retiring.
“There ain’t no way that the old lady’s letting me retire,” Gundy said. “I have as much energy now as I did when I took this job.”
It might not be up to Gundy whether he coaches next season.
Oklahoma State entered the 2024 season third in preseason odds to win the Big 12 (+750), with its over-under win total set at 8.5 games.
Gundy has fallen behind in the conference’s recruiting rankings. Per 247 Sports, the Cowboys are 12th out of 16 Big 12 teams in 2025 high-school recruiting rankings.
While he led the program to a 10-win season just a year ago, its precipitous drop this season should at least prompt consideration of a coaching change.
When a season spirals out of control like Oklahoma State’s did this season, no one should be safe from the consequences.
