Mike Gundy says he interviewed for Tampa Bay Buccaneers job in 2011
Mike Gundy is more than comfortable leading Oklahoma State for the foreseeable future — as he’s done for almost two decades already — but the NFL came beckoning once upon a time.
On Monday, Gundy shared a story that he almost took his coaching talents to the next level over a decade ago, interviewing with one team three times. After some hesitation, the Cowboys coach revealed it was in 2011 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who later chose Rutgers coach Greg Schiano for the gig.
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“Ten years ago, or I don’t remember how many years ago, I don’t remember what year, I can’t remember. I interviewed three times with the one team, and then didn’t take the job. … I don’t know if they want me to say or not, it was the Tampa Bay,” revealed Gundy. “They ended up hiring the guy, I think they hired the guy from Rutgers (Greg Schiano). Yeah. I had three interviews, multiple interviews with them.
“Anyways, long story short, I thought about it, but obviously not now.”
It’s a fascinating story of what-if, especially since players like then-Oklahoma State stars Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon could’ve eventually been options for Gundy at the next level. Still, it never worked out for Gundy and the NFC South franchise, and he’s been in Stillwater ever since.
However, the Oklahoma State coach believes the college game is beginning to look more and more like the professionals, at least parity wise. According to Gundy, developments like NIL and the transfer portal are to blame.
“I saw some scores along the bottom of the screen, last year’s Super Bowl team, I think they’re 2-3. Then the Bengals lost last night, and they were in the Super Bowl and they’re 2-3. I think, before this week, that the Patriots were 1-3. I think, is that not right? And he’s supposed to be a good coach. So the point being is, the NFL, there’s so much parity. That’s what’s trickling down to college, because of NIL and the portal,” stated Gundy. “That’s why you’re seeing things that are starting to level out now. Guys are bouncing around in the portal, quarterbacks are bouncing around. Like, you take a quarterback that’s starting somewhere, and he’s a really good college player, if you don’t screw it up as a coach, you’re going to win eight games. Then he leaves and goes somewhere else, and then the next guy playing has not played much, you might be a five or six win season, so it’s a huge impact.
“I think you’re seeing that, I know you’re seeing that in the NFL, now it’s coming down to college with NIL and the portal.”
Mike Gundy may have never taken his talents to the NFL, but the NFL-like game is coming to him now. Luckily, he’s more than prepared Oklahoma State for the immense changes, as the Cowboys have been wildly successful over recent seasons, and don’t seem to be going anywhere soon.