A longtime coach in Oklahoma, Mike Gundy, who is 40, may be considering departure after 18 years. Fans reacted strongly to a recent 19-12 home loss to Tulsa, chanting “Fire Gundy” as the Cowboys fell to a troubling record of 1-2, following a nine-game losing streak last season.
This defeat marked Tulsa’s first win on Oklahoma’s home turf in 74 years. Gundy remarked, “These are not decisions I will make,” addressing the crowd’s frustrations after the game. He added that his focus remains on moving forward with the team.
Amid the shakeup in college football, with UCLA’s Deshaun Foster and Virginia Tech’s Brent Pry already dismissed, Gundy’s situation feels precarious. Last year’s 3-9 performance was the lowest in his two-decade tenure, and the future seemed bleak after a 69-3 loss to Oregon earlier this month.
Defeating Tulsa, a smaller program, was crucial, yet doubts linger about Gundy’s continuation this season. Fans expressed dissatisfaction loudly as they left for halftime trailing 16-3, and the frustration peaked with chants captured by ESPN broadcasts.
As he exited the field, Gundy raised an arm in appreciation despite the chorus of boos surrounding him. He acknowledged the fans’ passion, stating, “They were amazing tonight. The stadium was full, they were fired up—just amazing.”
At 58, Gundy boasts the most victories as a head coach in the program’s history, but the team clearly appears to be faltering. This latest loss adds to a streak of 11 consecutive defeats against FBS opponents, the longest in the school’s history.
Next Saturday, Oklahoma will face Baylor as Big 12 play begins. Only time will reveal whether Gundy’s tenure will continue or if the program will seek a new direction.
