Mike Gundy hot seat talks: Pete Thamel reveals where Oklahoma State stands after loss to Tulsa

ESPN’s Pete Thamel provided the latest on Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy and his future with the program. Following Friday night’s loss to Tulsa, a 19-12 disappointment, Gundy’s job is squarely in the crosshairs.

The Cowboy alum has been the head coach for two decades, but it could be nearing the end at this point. Barring a miraculous turnaround this season, Gundy and others might be gone by the time the page is turned towards the 2026 season.

Thamel detailed a “surreal” scene in Stillwater Friday night. It seems like the firing of Gundy is starting to get in the air out in Oklahoma.

“Yeah, Rece, there was a surreal scene last night as Oklahoma State lost that home to Tulsa,” Thamel said on College GameDay. “There were chants of ‘Fire Gundy’ echoing through T. Boone Pickens Stadium. Oklahoma State has lost 11 straight FBS football games, Rece. And I’ve been told by sources, there’s an overwhelming expectation that both the coaching staff and the highest levels of the athletic department are going to be overhauled at Oklahoma State in the upcoming weeks.

“Remember, Gundy restructured his contract. They owe $15 million to fire him. And it would be a shock to the industry if Gumby is the coach at Oklahoma State in 2026.

Gundy is 170-90 at Oklahoma State, the only place he’s been a head coach. They’ve been to the Big 12 Championship twice in recent years (2021 and ‘23), but haven’t won the conference since 2011. That year, the Cowboys finished No. 3 in the country and won the Fiesta Bowl.

Over the last two seasons, it’s been anything but successful. Gundy went 3-9 last season and is already 1-2 this year following the loss to Tulsa.

Gundy praised the fans multiple times for showing out at Boone Pickens Stadium for Friday’s game. He credited them for the energy they provided and showing up for the Blackout game, hoping to help provide a lift.

However, Gundy is on multiple hot seat lists after a rocky start to the year. His message, though, was simple. Those decisions are out of his control, and his focus remains on the task at hand.

“I gave you a message earlier about the fans,” Gundy said. “They were awesome tonight. They really were. The stadium was full and they were fired up and they were awesome.

“But those aren’t decisions that I make. My decision is to do exactly what I mentioned earlier. Get these guys and keep moving forward and go on down the road, and that’s what we do.”