Mike Gundy comments on Jim Knowles leaving for Ohio State
Ohio State made one of the first big moves in the assistant coaching world, grabbing defensive coordinator Jim Knowles away from the Oklahoma State Cowboys. He will not coach in either team’s bowl game and will join the Buckeyes after the Rose Bowl.
Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy was asked about losing Knowles as his defensive coordinator. He said they tried to keep him in Stillwater but Ohio State was able to splash some cash.
“We got outbid,” Gundy said on Monday. “We tried hard. We offered him the highest package anyone has ever been offered around here.”
Knowles’ deal with Ohio State is a historic one, making $5.7 million over a three-year span. Averaging $1.9 million a year, the defensive coordinator will be the highest-paid assistant coach in the history of the Buckeyes’ program.
Gundy also said Oklahoma State is going to do just as well on the defensive side of the ball without Knowles. The first test will be in the Fiesta Bowl against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on New Year’s Day.
“We’re not going to miss a beat,” Gundy said. “We’ll be fine.”
Going forward, Gundy says he will not officially name a new defensive coordinator for the Cowboys until the end of the season. He sites not being a huge fan of poaching from another school while there is still football to be played.
Mike Gundy comments on Florida rumors
An email from Gundy’s “agent,” leaked to the media, revealed an appeal for the mullet-loving coach to get the job that is now Billy Napier’s. However, Gundy says he doesn’t even have an agent.
“I never answer to Twitter,” Gundy said. “I’m unaware of any email. I don’t have an agent.”
In the email, Devin Bonik attempts to pitch the head coach to Gators athletic director Scott Stricklin.
“Scott, My name is Devin Bonik and I represent Oklahoma State head coach Mike Leach,” Bonik said in the email. “I am reaching out to let you know Mike is very interested in the head coaching vacancy at the University of Florida. He is confident that he could bring the leadership and passion necessary to re-energize your football team and GATOR fan base.
“He has gotten the reputation in the past that he wouldn’t ever leave his alma mater, however, I can assure you that is not the case anymore,” Bonik continued.
The agent also claimed Gundy has turned down Florida State, Arkansas, and Tennessee twice. The Seminoles last had an open job opening after the 2019 season, with Mike Norvell taking over. Arkansas hired Sam Pittman at the same time.
At the end of the email, Bonik asks for confidentiality.
“As always we would appreciate confidentiality in regards to the matter.”
On3’s Nikki Chavanelle contributed to this report.