Oklahoma State Coach Mike Gundy Agrees to Restructured Contract After 3-9 Season
After a challenging and disappointing 3-9 season, Mike Gundy and Oklahoma State University have agreed to a restructured contract that keeps the head coach in Stillwater for the foreseeable future. Despite the rough season, which saw the Cowboys struggle in nearly every aspect of the game, Gundy’s long-term vision for the program and his track record of success ultimately led to a reworking of his deal, underscoring the university’s faith in his leadership.
The 2023 season was a difficult one for Oklahoma State, one of the traditional powerhouses in the Big 12. With expectations high at the start of the season, the Cowboys were unable to live up to their potential. A season record of 3-9 left fans and analysts questioning what went wrong. A combination of factors, including a lack of offensive consistency, injuries to key players, and defensive lapses, contributed to one of the most underwhelming seasons in recent memory for the program.
The Cowboys’ struggles were especially evident in their inability to win close games, a hallmark of the program under Gundy in previous years. Their offensive line, once a strength, was porous, leading to an ineffective running game. The quarterback play was inconsistent, and the defense was unable to make stops when needed most, allowing opponents to capitalize on the Cowboys’ mistakes.
Despite the disappointing results, Gundy’s track record as head coach was a major factor in the decision to restructure his contract. Since taking over in 2005, Gundy has led Oklahoma State to multiple conference championships and bowl games, and he has built a culture of success in Stillwater. His ability to turn around the program in previous seasons after down years kept the faith of the administration intact.
Oklahoma State University athletic director Chad Weiberg and the school’s administration were quick to acknowledge the challenges of the 2023 season but also noted that Gundy’s long-term success and leadership qualities were essential for the program moving forward.
The new contract, while still financially favorable to Gundy, includes performance-based incentives that align more closely with the goals and expectations for the program in the coming years. These changes reflect a shift toward accountability while ensuring that Gundy remains motivated to return Oklahoma State to prominence in the Big 12.
Under the new terms, Gundy’s base salary will see a slight decrease, but his incentives for bowl game appearances, conference championships, and player development have been significantly enhanced. The restructuring was agreed upon after discussions with university officials and Gundy, who has been at the helm of the Cowboys for nearly two decades. This restructuring provides both a vote of confidence in Gundy’s leadership and a pragmatic acknowledgment of the need for improvement.
“Mike Gundy has been a great leader for our program, and we believe in the direction he is taking this team,” said Weiberg in a statement. “We recognize that 2023 was a tough season, but we are confident in Mike’s ability to bring Oklahoma State football back to a competitive level. This restructuring reflects our continued commitment to his leadership while also ensuring that we hold ourselves to the highest standards moving forward.”
Gundy has been the face of Oklahoma State football for almost two decades, and his commitment to the program has been unwavering. Despite the disappointing season, Gundy remains optimistic about the future. In a statement, Gundy thanked the university and the fans for their continued support.
“I am thankful to Chad Weiberg and the Oklahoma State administration for their trust in me and my vision for this program,” Gundy said. “The 2023 season did not go as we planned, but we are working hard to make the necessary adjustments and improvements. I believe in the players we have here, and we will continue to recruit and develop talent to compete at the highest level. I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead and getting Oklahoma State football back on track.”
For Gundy, this is an opportunity to reset and refocus. He will likely look to make changes to his coaching staff, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, to address the shortcomings that were evident during the 2023 campaign. Gundy has always been known for his ability to adapt and make adjustments, and many are hopeful that he can bounce back from this down season.
With the new contract in place, Gundy and Oklahoma State will turn their attention to improving the program for the 2024 season. The coaching staff will focus on recruiting, player development, and addressing key weaknesses that were exposed in 2023. Gundy’s ability to develop quarterbacks, build a strong offensive line, and create a tough, disciplined defense will be critical in turning the program around.
Oklahoma State’s fans are undoubtedly hoping that this restructuring will provide the stability and leadership needed to help the Cowboys return to competing at the top of the Big 12. While 2023 was a season to forget, the university and Gundy are committed to ensuring that the future remains bright for Oklahoma State football.
Ultimately, the deal reflects both a recognition of Gundy’s past successes and a clear message that the program expects improvement in the near future. With a restructured contract and a renewed focus on winning, Mike Gundy and Oklahoma State will look to turn the page on a tough season and build a more successful future.