Oklahoma has fired Mike Gundy mid-season after a disappointing start. The Cowboys faced an unexpected 19-12 loss to Tulsa at home, which hadn’t happened in 74 years, prompting fans to express their frustrations vocally. Chants of “Fire Gundy” could be heard in the stands before halftime and echoed again as the game reached its final minutes with Tulsa in the lead.
In their season opener, Oklahoma defeated UT Martin 27-7, but they were crushed by No. 6 Oregon the following week, losing 69-3. Starting the season with a 1-2 record, the Cowboys are coming off a troubling 3-9 finish last year, marking a stark contrast to their previous 18 seasons of .500 or better under Gundy. Just two years ago, they competed in the Big 12 Championship.
Over his 21-year tenure, Gundy accumulated a coaching record of 170-90 over 260 games. Chad Weiberg, the OSU Athletic Director, acknowledged Gundy’s significant impact on Cowboy football, noting the success and recognition achieved under his leadership. Gundy, who also played quarterback for the Cowboys from 1986 to 1989, has been a beloved figure among fans, though his recent record led to a shift in public sentiment against him.
Next week, Oklahoma aims to bounce back when they face Baylor, hoping to improve their performance. This chapter in Gundy’s career is bittersweet; after all, he has been a cornerstone of the program for over two decades.
