According to multiple sources, Zac Robinson, Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator and former Oklahoma State quarterback, is the leading candidate to potentially replace Mike Gundy as head coach.

Although no decisions have been finalized, reports suggest Gundy is unlikely to accept the amended contract proposed by the Oklahoma State Board of Regents. As a result, the Cowboys may embark on its first head coach search in two decades.

Sources confirmed that the board of regents presented Gundy with an ultimatum. A slash in salary by upwards of $3 million and termination of rollover contract, plus, not having a total say in his coordinator choices… or be fired with cause. This has been potentially expected since coach Gundy’s comments on fan criticisms.

Sources indicate Robinson is the “leading candidate” and has been part of “a strategic plan that’s been in place for months,” anticipating the end of Gundy’s 20-year tenure. According to one source close to the discussions, talks between Robinson and the university have been ongoing for about a week and were not a spur-of-the-moment decision.

Other candidates reportedly being considered include Todd Monken, an experienced NFL offensive coordinator and former Oklahoma State offensive coordinator (2011-12). However, close relations to Mike Gundy, and an established career in the NFL may pave a difficult path for the University.

Robinson, who served as Oklahoma State’s starting quarterback from 2007-09, recorded more than 8,000 passing yards and 88 total touchdowns during his college career. Since then, he has climbed the ranks of the NFL coaching tree.

Discussions about Zac Robinson potentially becoming Oklahoma State’s next head coach date back to 2019, when he began emerging as a coaching prospect in the NFL. (Source)

Robinson joined the Falcons in 2023 after spending five seasons (2019-23) with the Los Angeles Rams, where he held several roles, including quarterbacks/passing game coordinator (2022-23), assistant quarterbacks coach (2019, 2021), and assistant wide receivers coach (2020).

While with the Rams, Robinson helped quarterback Matthew Stafford earn Pro Bowl honors and guided wide receiver Puka Nacua to set an NFL record for most receptions and receiving yards by a rookie.

With his proven success as an offensive mind and potentially heading his alma mater, Robinson has generated significant interest from Oklahoma State.

Coach Gundy has reportedly asked for “more time to ponder” on his decision regarding the amended contract offer.

OSU have also been in touch with potential coordinators from Tulane and Rice to fill vacancies of Kasey Dunn and Bryan Nardo

It’s unclear what the final decision will be on the board of regents regarding coach Gundy’s career at OSU. However, one scenario appears increasingly likely: the Cowboys could move from a former quarterback as head coach to the quarterback coached by that former quarterback. Yes, that’s a lot of quarterbacks.