When Oklahoma State athletics director Chad Weiberg fired football head coach Mike Gundy Tuesday, he knew not everyone would agree with the decision.
“That’s the case with almost every decision I make, right?” Weiberg said Tuesday afternoon. “So that just comes with the territory. I think the message is, regardless of what you think about the decision, regardless of what you think about me, that’s not what it’s about. This is about the program.”
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In the aftermath of the firing, coaches, players, media and fans reacted to the news and gave thoughts on Gundy’s time at OSU. Here are some of those reactions.
Inside the programTuesday afternoon, hours after the announcement of Gundy’s firing, Kenyatta Wright, OSU’s director of football business, posted a picture on X of Gundy at practice, addressing the team.
In the comments, Wright said, “This moment will fuel everything I do the rest of the season in honor of Coach Gundy who recruited me to come to Oklahoma State in 96 and start my journey as a Cowboy!! The Ride isn’t over!!”
Andrew Mitchell played on the OSU offensive line under Gundy from 2008-09 and joined the Cowboys as an offensive line coach this season after three years at New Mexico State. He also took to X to honor Gundy.
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“Will be forever grateful to Coach Gundy for what he’s meant to me and my journey as a person and a coach,” Mitchell said. “These coaches and players will respond and stay in the fight to make the Cowboy family proud!”
Players haven’t been available to the media since Gundy’s firing, but some took to social media to comment on the situation.
Transfer running back Freddie Brock IV called Gundy “A legend,” and injured freshman quarterback Hauss Hejny posted on X: “Thanks for taking a chance on me, coach.”
Outside the programWeiberg was right. Firing the winningest coach in program history came with some differing opinions from alumni, fans and supporters.
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Many stood with Gundy and praised his time at OSU, like Brad McCool.
“I don’t care what anyone else has to say. His legacy will live on,” McCool said on a News press Facebook post. “He stood strong in both the ups and downs, he stayed committed to OSU (loyal and true), and he wasn’t afraid to stand firm in who he was and take criticism on the chin for it. Go Pokes!”
Although there is pessimism and uncertainty about the program’s future without Gundy from some fans, there are many, including Terry Haws, who appreciated what Gundy did but felt moving on was the right decision.
“I give (Gundy) a lot of credit for bringing OSU football to new heights and keeping it there for a long time. He was good at developing talent. But the game has changed,” Haws said on a News Press Facebook post. “It is no longer about developing talent, only buying it. Mike was too slow to adapt to the way college football is today. He resisted the NIL and hated the portal. I agree with him, but the rules of the game are what they are. In the end, his stubbornness cost him his job. I honor his accomplishments but agree it was time.”
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Around college footballDuring Iowa State coach Matt Campbell’s Tuesday press conference, he was asked about his thoughts on Gundy’s firing.
“I mean, we’re just in such a crazy time,” Campbell said. “It’s obviously disappointing. You know, you think the world of what he’s been about, obviously what he did at Oklahoma State was exceptional and will probably be really hard to replicate.
“Unfortunately we live in a world where the value of that, sometimes, is short-lived, and we’re quick to forget how powerful and how impactful he really was on that community. So I think the world of coach Gundy and just really grateful for everything he’s done for me for sure.”
In addition to former coaches, former opposing players weighed in. Former Baylor quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III, now a college football game analyst for Fox Sports, started against OSU three times and went 0-3.
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“Mike Gundy is a College Football legend,” Griffin posted on X. “3x Big 12 Coach of the Year. 21 seasons at Oklahoma State. EIGHT 10 win seasons. It was an honor to compete against you on the field and tell your story in the booth Coach Gundy.”
Brett McMurphy of On3sports posted on X that he asked Cale Gundy, Mike Gundy’s younger brother and former longtime OU assistant coach, if Mike Gundy wants to continue coaching: “Hell yes, and I’m going with him,” Cale said.
Former playersDozens of former Cowboys voiced their support of Gundy.
“Hall of Fame and Statue next,” former quarterback Mason Rudolph said. “Thank you for Everything.”
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Former OSU offensive lineman and nine-year NFL veteran Lane Taylor posted on X, “Thank you Coach Gundy! Forever grateful for the impact you had on me and everyone at Oklahoma State #legend.”
Former running back Jeremy Smith posted: “Saddest Day in Oklahoma State History! Be careful what you wish for!”
Smith went on in another X post to add: “As much as Gundy has done for this program! You did this in the beginning of the season! You couldn’t let it play out!! This has definitely left a sour taste in my mouth! You talk about ungrateful!”
Meanwhile, some OSU football alums, like wide receiver Dez Bryant, looked toward the future.
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“Oklahoma State let’s make Zac Robinson the head coach!” Bryant, who played alongside Robinson at OSU, posted on X.
Cowboy prospectsOne of the consequences of firing Gundy was the impact on recruiting.
Three Cowboy commits decommitted from OSU and reopened their recruitment Tuesday after the announcement.
Kaydin Jones, a three-star running back from Jenks High School, was the first and biggest decommitment, so far. According to 247Sports, Jones is the No. 5 player in Oklahoma in the Class of 2026 and committed to OSU over offers from Alabama, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas A&M and others.
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Jabarie Thornton, a three-star wide receiver from La Vega High in Waco, Texas, and the state’s No. 177 player in the Class of 2026, was second to decommit. Three-star in-state offensive lineman Aiden Martin from Berryhill was the latest to decommit. Martin is the No. 12 player in Oklahoma for the Class of 2026.
