Mike Gundy Recommended to Become Oklahoma State's 22nd Head Football Coach

OSU Athletics Director Harry Birdwell made the recommendation Monday to OSU President and System CEO David Schmidly. Pending approval of OSU's Board of Regents, Gundy will move into the head coaches' position after serving as assistant head coach and offensive coordinator since 2001.

The 37-year-old Gundy was a four-year starter at quarterback for OSU from 1986-89. He has had two stints as OSU's offensive coordinator and has also coached Cowboy quarterbacks and receivers.

Gundy becomes just the second Oklahoma State University graduate to assume the head coaching duties. Jim Lookabaugh (1939-49) was the other and all he did was lead the Pokes to back-to-back New Years' Day bowls in 1944 and 1945.

"This is the realization of a dream," Gundy said. "I am grateful to President Schmidly, Dr. Birdwell and the OSU Board of Regents for the confidence they have shown in me. I'm ready for the challenge and there is a lot of work to do. The priorities are obviously putting together a staff and recruiting and that work will begin immediately."

"In making my recommendation to the OSU family, I want you to be assured that I fully believe this decision is in the best interest of Oklahoma State and its football program," Birdwell said. "I am pleased that the next head coach of Oklahoma State is one of our graduates. He is disarmingly honest, he has a level of personal confidence that keeps us all on our toes and he is loyal to Oklahoma State. It is with excitement and confidence that I make this recommendation to President Schmidly and the OSU Board of Regents."

President Schmidly expressed confidence that OSU football would rise to new levels of success. "I couldn't be happier that Mike Gundy is our new football coach," Schmidly said. "I am totally confident that he will take our program to new levels of success. He will lead an aggressive young staff that will bring new excitement to OSU football."

"Mike understands winning on the field is important, but our football players are students first. We have made impressive strides in this area and Mike is committed to continuing our strong graduation rates," Schmidly said.

Jay Helm, Chairman of the OSU/A&M Board of Regents said he was impressed with Gundy's overall vision.

"Mike is ready to lead the Cowboys," Helm said. "I was very impressed with his vision for continuing to build on the remarkable success the program has experienced the past three seasons and his ability to assemble a top notch staff. Make no mistake about it, Mike, in his important role as associate head coach and offensive coordinator, played a pivotal part in producing three seasons packed with memorable wins and resulting in three consecutive bowl appearances."

"Mike is the clear choice and without a doubt the right choice. OSU football is on solid footing and the future under Coach Gundy is as promising as ever in my opinion. I am excited a true Cowboy, one committed not only to excellence in athletics but also academics, has the reins," Helm said.

OSU Foundation President and CEO Kirk Jewell expressed his enthusiasm in Gundy’s appointment.

“I’m excited about the energy, passion and history with OSU that Mike brings to his new role, and I could not be more optimistic about the future of our football program under his leadership,” said Jewell. “OSU has received new vision and new direction in the past two years, and now is the time for our alumni and friends to demonstrate their support for our university and athletic programs.”

As a player and coach, Gundy has been part of some of Oklahoma State's most memorable football successes. He was Oklahoma State's quarterback when the Cowboys posted back-to-back 10-win seasons in 1987 and 1988. He passed for 2,106 yards in 1987 and 2,163 in 1988.

During his four-year Oklahoma State career, Gundy passed for 7,997 yards and 49 touchdowns. He became Oklahoma State's starting quarterback four games into his true freshman season.

After graduation, Gundy remained on the Oklahoma State coaching staff. He coached the receivers in 1990, the quarterbacks from 1991-1993 and was elevated to offensive coordinator prior to the 1994 season.

Gundy spent one season at Baylor (1996) as quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator and spent four seasons at Maryland (1997-2000) as receivers coach. He returned to Stillwater in 2001 as assistant head coach and offensive coordinator and has coached OSU quarterbacks.

Gundy was an all-state quarterback at Midwest City High School and was the Oklahoma Player of the Year in 1986. He and his wife, Kristen, have three children, Gavin, Gunnar and Gage.