Sources: Mike Gundy Facing Mounting Pressure from Major Donors to Step Aside

According to multiple sources, Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy is under growing pressure from major donors to step aside or be fired.

Despite returning the second-most production in the country, Oklahoma State finished the season 3-9, its worst record since 1991. The Cowboys also failed to win a conference game for the first time since 1993.

As a result, major changes are already being conducted, with offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn and defensive coordinator Bryan Nardo the first to be let go.

However, sources say that following a recent Board of Regents meeting, a small majority of major donors expressed the belief that Gundy should either be fired, retire, or take on another role.

No head coaching change is expected, however, the pressure has likely caused “action,” such as coordinator changes.

The University have called an emergency board of regents meeting for Dec. 6, 7:30 am.

Oklahoma State went 10-4 last season, earning a spot in the Big 12 Championship game, with star running back Ollie Gordon winning the Doak Walker Award. Despite that success, frustrations around the program have mounted due to unresolved issues dating back to the 2020-21 season.

The Cowboys would return 2,000-yard rusher Chuba Hubbard, but under then-new offensive coordinator Dunn, Hubbard’s rushing production dipped by nearly 1,400 yards. A similar issue pressed this season, as Gordon’s rushing total dropped by 900 yards.

Since being appointed offensive coordinator, Dunn has overseen an offense that has averaged 55th in points per game. In contrast, during the previous 15 years under Gundy, the Cowboys averaged 25th in scoring — a decline of 30 spots over five years.

Even in 2021, when Oklahoma State won the Fiesta Bowl, the team ranked only 46th in scoring offense. That season’s unexpected success was largely attributed to a top-10 defense led by coordinator Jim Knowles. Knowles’ unit, ranked ninth nationally, left for Ohio State the following season.

Following a disappointing 2022 campaign, Gundy faced questions about potential staff changes. His responses drew criticism, particularly regarding the offensive staff.

More recently, Gundy has been under similar criticism. There has been major noise from fans across the program after coach Gundy made remarks about critics being “failures” who “aren’t taking care of their own family.”

He apologized later that week for the comments. Oklahoma State president, Kayse Shrum, would also make a statement, saying, “Coach Gundy’s press conference comments did not reflect the position of the university.”

Gundy has served as Oklahoma State’s head coach for 20-years, posting a 169-88 record alongside eight 10-win seasons.