Oklahoma State Cowboys head coach Mike Gundy is confronting one of the biggest challenges of his career after a disappointing 2024 season that ended with a 3-9 record. Despite the tough year in his two-decade tenure, his passion for football remains unwavering as he looks ahead to a fresh start.
Mike Gundy’s Confession On Rebuilding Oklahoma State Football
As the Cowboys move into the offseason, Gundy has already taken significant steps to revitalize the program for 2025, including a coaching staff overhaul and major moves in the transfer portal. He acknowledged the impact of the difficult season, calling the weeks that followed “the most difficult December of my career.”
Yet, despite the challenges, Gundy made it clear that his commitment to the Cowboys remains steadfast:
“I still wake up in the middle of the night, and football is on my mind. Unfortunately, at my age, when I have to get up and go to the bathroom in the middle of the night, walking to the bathroom and walking back, football is on my mind. I wish it wasn’t, but it is. When I shower in the morning, football is on my mind.”
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Recognizing the need for change, Gundy has completely revamped his coaching staff, signaling his determination to turn the program around. Additionally, he has focused on roster improvement, bringing in 23 players from the transfer portal to inject new talent and energy into the team.
With the 2025 season approaching, Gundy is working to ensure Oklahoma State has the tools to get back on track. Entering his 21st year at the helm, he plans to leverage his experience to guide the Cowboys back to success. Recent seasons have seen high points, including a 12-2 finish in 2021 and a 10-4 record in 2023, and Gundy aims to restore the program to that level of competitiveness.
Gundy Has University Support in a Strategic Plan
Amid the challenging period, Gundy has received strong backing from university leadership. Oklahoma State President Kayse Shrum and Athletic Director Chad Weiberg have been key supporters throughout the transition.
In December, Gundy worked closely with Shrum and Weiberg to restructure his contract following a public battle with the Oklahoma A&M Board of Regents. This restructuring was crucial for ensuring the program’s future stability.
“We had really good conversations about the future—about the portal, about NIL, about revenue sharing, things that are very important in dealing with college athletics today,” Gundy said.
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Known for maintaining stability in his program, Gundy is now navigating one of the most significant transition periods of his tenure, marking perhaps the most extensive coaching turnover he has ever overseen in a single offseason.
Entering his 21st season, Gundy remains determined to overcome the setbacks of 2024 and lead Oklahoma State back to success. While the 3-9 season was a tough blow, his focus is firmly on the future, and he’s already taking the steps needed to return the Cowboys to their winning ways.
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