Mike Gundy is a prominent figure in American college football, serving as the head coach at Oklahoma State University (OSU). His association with OSU spans decades, starting as a quarterback from 1986 to 1989 and later assuming the head coaching role in 2005. His long tenure makes him the second-longest serving FBS coach at a single institution, tied with Utah's Kyle Whittingham, and the longest-tenured coach in the Big 12 Conference, surpassed only by Iowa's Kirk Ferentz.
August 12, 1967: Birth of Mike Gundy
Mike Gundy was born on August 12, 1967. He would go on to become a notable college football coach and former player, known for his coaching tenure at Oklahoma State University.
1986: Oklahoma Player of the Year
In 1986, Mike Gundy was named the Oklahoma Player of the Year during his time at Midwest City High School. He was recognized for his exceptional skills as a quarterback.
1987: Led Team to Sun Bowl Victory
In 1987, Mike Gundy led Oklahoma State to a victory in the Sun Bowl, highlighting his successful college football career as a quarterback.
1988: Led Team to Holiday Bowl Victory
In 1988, Mike Gundy led Oklahoma State to a victory in the Holiday Bowl, contributing to one of the school's successful seasons.
1990: Graduated with a Degree in Secondary Education
In 1990, Mike Gundy graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in secondary education, focusing on social studies.
1990: Joined Coaching Staff at Oklahoma State
In 1990, after graduating, Mike Gundy joined Pat Jones' coaching staff at Oklahoma State as an assistant coach, starting his coaching career.
1991: Became Quarterback Coach
In 1991, Mike Gundy was promoted to quarterback coach at Oklahoma State, marking his progression in his coaching career.
1996: Coaching Role at Baylor
In 1996, Mike Gundy served as the quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator at Baylor, working alongside Larry Fedora.
January 3, 2005: Became Head Coach at Oklahoma State
On January 3, 2005, Mike Gundy was appointed as the head football coach at Oklahoma State University, marking the start of a significant coaching career.
September 22, 2007: Viral Press Conference Outburst
On September 22, 2007, Mike Gundy made headlines with a viral press conference outburst, defending his player against media criticism with the famous line, 'Come after me! I'm a man! I'm forty!'
2008: Record Broken by Robert Griffin III
In 2008, Baylor freshman Robert Griffin III broke Mike Gundy's Division 1 record for most consecutive passes without an interception by a freshman, a record Gundy set at the start of his career with 138 passes. Gundy personally congratulated Griffin after the game against Oklahoma State.
2008: Best Season in 20 Years for Oklahoma State
In 2008, under Mike Gundy's leadership, the Oklahoma State Cowboys had their best season in 20 years, finishing with a ranking in the top 15 and a Holiday Bowl appearance.
January 1, 2009: Contract Extension Start
On January 1, 2009, Mike Gundy's seven-year contract extension, worth $15.7 million, went into effect, securing his position at Oklahoma State through the 2015 season.
2011: 12 Wins Season
In 2011, Mike Gundy led Oklahoma State to a 12-win season, highlighting his successful coaching tenure with the team.
2012: Fiesta Bowl Victory
In 2012, Mike Gundy led Oklahoma State to a victory in the Fiesta Bowl, defeating Stanford in overtime, marking a significant achievement for the program.
2012: Big 12 Championship Victory
In 2012, Mike Gundy led the Oklahoma State Cowboys to a Big 12 championship victory, their first outright conference championship since 1948, marking a major triumph in the program's history.
September 2013: Sports Illustrated Investigation
In September 2013, Sports Illustrated published an investigation alleging misconduct during Mike Gundy's tenure at Oklahoma State, involving player bonuses, academic irregularities, and drug abuse tolerance.
June 2020: Controversy over One America News T-shirt
In June 2020, Mike Gundy faced backlash when he was photographed wearing a t-shirt of One America News, leading to star running back Chuba Hubbard and linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga threatening to boycott Oklahoma State. Gundy apologized for the situation, expressing his disgust with OAN's stance on the Black Lives Matter movement, and agreed to a $1M pay cut as part of the resolution.
October 2020: Signed Perpetual Contract
In October 2020, Mike Gundy signed a new perpetual or rolling 5-year contract, ensuring his continued involvement with Oklahoma State's football program.
2021: Induction into Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame
In 2021, Mike Gundy was inducted into the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame, highlighting his significant contributions to sports in the state. This achievement adds to his recognition in the field, including his noted 'million-dollar mullet'.