Mike Gundy expands on prior NFL interest, why he stayed at Oklahoma State

Earlier this week, Mike Gundy dropped a bombshell of football news, revealing he interviewed three times for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ coaching vacancy in 2011.

Alas, the Oklahoma State leader never was offered the job and pulled out of consideration before he could, it’s evident there was some mutual interest between the two parties. On Tuesday, Gundy elaborated on the prior NFL interest, and why he ultimately decided to stay in Stillwater.

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“I had really good interviews with the family, with the Bucs. They never actually offered me the job, so I didn’t get to that point. I thought it was really close, but that’s neither here nor there,” stated Gundy on Sportscenter. “In the end, I just feel committed to Oklahoma State. 

“I’ve been here forever, it’s just kind of a part of me. So from that standpoint, I just love the people here. It’s really who I am. There’s times we play the underdog role. I just get a kick out of seeing former players come back and be a part of homecoming. I’ve got guys coming back now who have multiple children, and we’re getting close to and actually have started recruiting players of mine — my players’ kids now that are of age to be recruited.”

Indisputably, Oklahoma State faithful believes Mike Gundy made the right decision, as the coach can likely stay in Stillwater as long as he wants. While Gundy may have missed his shot at the NFL, it’s obvious he wouldn’t change a thing about how the situation went down.

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Moreover, the Oklahoma State coach believes the college game is beginning to look more and more like the professionals, at least parity wise. According to Mike 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.