Mike Gundy: Buyout| Press conference| Will be fired| Fired| Hair| Son

Mike Gundy’s name has long been synonymous with Oklahoma State football. A coach, a character, a leader with strong opinions, and an unmistakable hairstyle. But as the 2025 season unfolds, scrutiny is intensifying: what is his buyout? Has he had enough bad press to be fired? What role do his family and his iconic hair play in all this drama? In this article, we explore these questions in depth.

Who is Mike Gundy?

Mike Gundy is the head coach of the Oklahoma State Cowboys football team. He has been in the role since 2005, making him one of the longest‐tenured coaches in FBS. He has built a legacy: multiple bowl appearances, wins over strong opponents, and a reputation for loyalty and consistency.

He is also known for his signature mullet hairstyle, which is not just a personal fashion choice but part of his public persona. Over the years, Gundy has joked about its value, its representation, and how it appears in media and video games.

He has three children: Gavin, Gunnar, and Gage. Gavin, his oldest son, has been especially visible lately in social media controversies.

Contract and Buyout Details

Latest Contract Restructuring

• In 2025, Gundy and Oklahoma State agreed to restructure his contract. Among the changes was a $1 million pay cut.

• His 2025 salary was reported around $6.75 million, with annual raises of about $125,000 in the coming years.

Buyout: What it Will Cost if Fired

• If Gundy is terminated without cause in the first three years of the current deal, Oklahoma State would owe him approximately $15 million.

• If he is fired in the fourth year, the buyout drops to around $10 million.

• His contract runs through 2028, giving the university several years to either support him or consider moving on.

Succession Plan

Interestingly, the new contract includes language about a succession plan, which stipulates that Gundy is to assist in identifying, evaluating, and developing a successor, plus facilitating a smooth transition. This suggests that OSU is preparing for a future where Gundy may not be in charge, though not necessarily immediately.

Press Conferences & Public Moments

Mike Gundy is no stranger to the media. Over the years, there have been several moments that have captured attention — both for content and for spectacle.

“I’m a man! I’m 40!” Rant

One of his most famous press conference moments happened in 2007, when Gundy defended a quarterback and lashed out at media criticism with the memorable line: “I’m a man! I’m 40!” That moment became part of his lore — sometimes mocked, sometimes admired, but always remembered.

Hair Talks & Persona

His hairstyle — often a mullet — has been part of his branding. At Big 12 Media Day and other events, Gundy has spoken openly about how his hair draws attention. In one instance, he said his hair is “worth ‘millions’” in marketing value.

In a more light‐hearted moment, he joked about his digital likeness in EA Sports College Football 26, saying that the game somewhat exaggerated his hairdo, yet he appreciated the portrayal.

Current Performance, Criticism & Fired Speculation

Recent Results & Losses

The 2024 season was rough: Oklahoma State ended 3-9 and failed to win a Big 12 game. That marked one of the worst performances in recent memory under Gundy.

Early in 2025, the team suffered several blowout losses, including a lopsided defeat to Oregon (69-3).

Media & Fan Pressure

• After the loss to Oregon, Gundy’s son, Gavin Gundy, took to social media to defend his father. He listed his accomplishments, expressing loyalty, but also criticizing the pace and tone of the criticism from fans and media.

• Some fans have pushed for Gundy’s removal. One fan started a GoFundMe titled “Buyout Mike Gundy’s Contract,” aiming to raise funds to cover his buyout so OSU could fire him without absorbing the cost.

• Media analysts and commentators have also suggested that Gundy is on a “hot seat.” Some believe that continued poor performance might force a dismissal, while others note his buyout remains a barrier.

Will He Be Fired?

Given the buyout size, OSU’s financial commitments, and Gundy’s historical success, outright firing is not assured. The contract’s structure, including the succession plan, suggests OSU is laying groundwork for change, but not necessarily forcing an immediate departure.

Some key factors that might influence whether Gundy is fired include:

1. Win‐Loss Record in the rest of 2025 (especially in Big 12 competition).

2. Margins & Quality of defeats, not just losses: public perception worsens with blowouts and appearances of lack of effort or preparation.

3. Fan, donor, and media pressure — if key stakeholders lose confidence, that can hasten a decision.

4. Financial cost of buyout vs. benefit of retaining experience vs. risk of changing coach.

Role of His Son, Gavin Gundy

Gundy’s son, Gavin, has become a central figure in the narrative, especially since the Oregon loss and the ensuing criticism. Key points:

• He defended his father on social media, listing Gundy’s coaching achievements. Some see his posts as loyal and admirable; others view them as potentially fire-fueling, drawing even more attention.

• Some believe that Gavin’s public responses could be a double-edged sword: while rallying support, they might also amplify criticism by making things more personal.

Hair: More Than Just Style

Mike Gundy’s hair gets mentioned often — not just as a quirk, but as part of his identity, his marketing value, and his image.

• The “million-dollar mullet” is not just hyperbole: Gundy himself has talked about how his hairstyle generates attention.

• In interactions with video games, media renditions, etc., his hair shows up as a distinguishing feature. For example, in EA Sports College Football 26, his hairdo was exaggerated, but he seemed to enjoy the joke.

• Public statements about hair sometimes serve as pressure relief: using humor and persona to deflect criticism. This is common among public figures under scrutiny. Gundy seems to use those moments to remind fans and media of his personality and legacy.

The Press Conference Factor

Press conferences have long been a vehicle for both message and myth in Gundy’s career.

• The “I’m a man! I’m 40!” speech is legendary. It solidified his image as someone who will stand up under pressure.

• In recent press conferences, he’s been asked tough questions about losses, buyout clauses, and rumors of being replaced. How he responds in these forums matters a lot: tone, confidence, transparency.

• For example, during Big 12 Media Days, when asked about budget disparities vs. other programs (Oregon being a focal point), Gundy did not shy away from criticism, pointing out how OSU’s spending has lagged. The reaction from rival coaches was swift.

The Real Numbers: What OSU Owes, What It Risks

To fully understand the stakes, let’s look at the real financials and risks.

So OSU has to weigh the cost of firing Gundy against continuing with a coach who may (or may not) return to winning form. Changing coaches isn’t just financial; there’s recruiting, program stability, fan morale, donor relationships, etc.

Why Firing Isn’t a Sure Thing (Yet)

Given all the pressure, there are reasons why OSU might stick with Gundy for now:

1. Legacy and Experience – He’s won many games, built the program, and given OSU consistent competitiveness for many years. Replacing him comes with risk.

2. Contract Costs – Even with a large buyout, sometimes it’s cheaper to “stay the course” than to find a replacement, especially mid‐season.

3. No Obvious Replacement – While names are floated (e.g. media speculation about coordinators or rivals), hiring someone who can match Gundy’s familiarity with the program and command donor / fan trust isn’t easy.

4. Room to Improve – If Gundy can produce moderate wins, limit blowouts, and shore up recruiting, those improvements might be enough to satisfy stakeholders for another year or two.

Could He Be Fired? What Would Trigger That

To be fired, or “terminated without cause,” some possible triggers:

• Continued large-margin losses, especially at home or against weaker opponents.

• Failure to achieve bowl eligibility or meet minimal expectations in the Big 12.

• Significant public or donor backlash — if fan attendance, donations or university support begin to decline.

• Loss of confidence from university leadership — if the Board of Regents or athletic director decide the current trajectory is untenable.

• Internal problems: if there are issues with staff retention, recruiting failures, or compliance issues, they could hasten decision.

What Is the Buyout Threshold, and What Does It Mean?

The buyout thresholds in Gundy’s contract are designed to protect both the coach and the university. Here’s what they mean in practical terms:

• For coach: He has financial security. Even if results are poor, there is compensation guaranteed if he is dismissed (without cause). This gives some buffer to operate under pressure.

• For OSU: The flat buyout (rather than percentage-based) makes it easier to forecast financial liability. Also, restructuring in 2025 (pay cut, lowered buyout in later years) signals a willingness to adapt. But it still represents a hefty cost.

• The inclusion of a succession plan suggests the university is trying to make the transition smoother and reduce risk of a coaching vacuum. It could mean that OSU is planning long term while hoping Gundy still has productive seasons ahead.

The Role of Narrative: Hair, Image, Son

Often with sports figures, performance is just part of the story. The rest is what people say and believe. For Gundy:

• Hair is more than style. It’s part of his brand. His mullet and public charm help humanize him, maintain visibility, and remind fans there’s more than just wins and losses.

• His Son (Gavin) becomes part of the narrative when he publicly defends his father. That adds emotional weight, perhaps helping rally some support, but also opens up criticism: some see it as trying to silence or push back against justified critique.

• Press Conferences / Rants become narrative anchors. Lines like “I’m a man! I’m 40!” resurface when things are tough, reminding people of past fierceness. They help define identity in crisis.

What the Experts Are Saying

• Media analysts are increasingly suggesting Gundy is on a “hot seat.”

• Some commentators believe that unless there is a noticeable turnaround, it is very possible OSU fires Gundy at season’s end or sooner.

• However, others caution the cost, both financial and organizational, means OSU might give him one more chance. Stability and continuity are not unimportant in college coaching.

Conclusion: The Fork in the Road

Mike Gundy is at a crossroads. His legacy, financial contract, and public image combine to create a complex situation. On one hand, poor performance, fan dissatisfaction, and public criticism (from both media and his own son) are pushing toward dismissal. On the other hand, his contract, buyout protections, historical performance, and embedded identity in Oklahoma State football give him a cushion.

Whether he will be fired depends on several moving pieces:

• Whether OSU thinks the cost (buyout, destabilization) is worth paying now.

• Whether Gundy can salvage enough of 2025 to convince stakeholders that change isn’t yet necessary.

• How narratives around public image (hair, press conferences, son’s defense) influence donors, fans, and university leadership.

As of now, Gundy is not yet fired, nor is it certain he will be. But the signs suggest OSU is preparing for that possibility. The contract’s clause around succession, the flattened buyout schedule, and the public pressure all point toward a “what if” scenario where Gundy’s departure becomes likely.

Key Takeaways for Fans & Observers

• If you’re an OSU fan, watching the games, especially Big 12 matchups, will be critical. Margin of loss and morale will matter.

• For media watchers, keep an eye on what Gavin Gundy posts — son’s comments may reveal inside thinking and affect public perception.

• For analysts, the buyout numbers and contract details are as important as the scoreboard.

• Lastly, do not underestimate public image: Gundy’s hair, his rants, his persona—they all help maintain a cultural connection with fans.

Summary in Brief

Mike Gundy has a restructured contract through 2028, with a $15 million buyout if fired in early years, falling to $10 million later. Press conference moments like the “I’m a man! I’m 40!” rant define him. Losses, especially large ones like to Oregon, are heightening speculation of being fired. His son Gavin is publicly defending him, but that might be counterproductive. His hair is part of the brand. At present, firing is possible but not inevitable. The coming weeks/months will likely decide how quickly the school acts.