Mike Gundy on hot seat: Exploring top 3 replacements for Oklahoma State head coach if things go south with Cowboys
Mike Gundy is supposedly set to return in 2025 for his 21st season in charge of the Oklahoma State Cowboys. At least that's what the veteran coach said over the weekend on Sunday following Oklahoma State's eighth straight loss this season. Here's what he stated regarding his future after the defeat to Texas Tech.
"There ain’t no way that the old lady’s letting me retire,” Gundy said. “I have as much energy now as I did when I took this job, and most of you guys think I’m crazy, which I am. When I get up in the morning, about 5:30, I start thinking about football."
"Even though we’re in a tough situation that we haven’t been in in 18 years, I’m excited to come to work tomorrow and try to find a way to beat Colorado, I just like that stuff."
But therein lies the key issue: the game against Colorado. It isn't easy to see the Oklahoma State brass sticking with a coach who managed to lose every conference game this season. The season finale clash with the Buffaloes seems to be a make-or-break moment for Gundy.
With Colorado coming in as a 16-point favorite, there's a good chance Gundy's Cowboys lose that contest and the coach could be pushed out. Here are our best options to replace the embattled coach for 2024 should he be let go.
Top 3 replacements for Mike Gundy as Oklahoma State's head coach
#3 Lance Leipold - Kansas
Leipold is himself an embattled coach with the Jayhawks currently being 5-6 and likely missing the bowl season in 2024. However, let's take a look at what he achieved in 2023 at Kansas. The Jayranks ranked No. 23 in the nation at the end of the year while having issues at the quarterback position. They ended 9-4 and won the Guaranteed Rate Bowl against UNLV.
He's also a coach who knows the Big 12 pretty well after four seasons in Lawrence.
#2 Kesey Dunn - Oklahoma State OC
Consistency is important in Stillwater. That much is clear. It's why Gundy has been in charge for almost 21 seasons. If the school officials wanted to make a change without making too big of a break, promoting offensive coordinator Kesey Dunn could be a good option. He's been at Oklahoma State since 2011 and has held several positions in Gundy's staff.
He knows the staff well with several members having been at Stillwater for eight years or more. He would have an easier job adapting to the head coach role with familiarity around him.
#1 Jeff Monken - Army
The Army Black Knights have been a breath of fresh air this season in college football. While the loss to Notre Dame last time out took them out of CFP contention and off every top 25 polls, the fact Amry has managed to enter the last week of the regular season with an overall record of 9-1 is a credit to Monken.
It's been years since the Black Knights have been this relevant. However, Monken could be thinking of his future. The possibility of long-term success outside a Power Four school is limited, and even more so at a service academy due to the recruiting limitations. Oklahoma State would be an interesting landing spot for Monken after success at Army.