Mike Gundy sends message to Oklahoma State fans calling for his job

Following a loss to Tulsa Friday night – the first at home since 1951 – questions continue to swirl around Mike Gundy’s future at Oklahoma State. Amid mounting fan frustration, he had a message to the Cowboys faithful in his postgame press conference.

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.”

Friday’s game is loomed as a big one for Gundy as rumors swirl around his future amid a 1-1 start to the year – with the one loss coming in 69-3 fashion against Oregon. His buyout currently sits at $15 million if Oklahoma State was to move on from its all-time winningest coach.

However, the Cowboys fell short despite a late surge in the second half. Zane Flores went 25 of 40 for 214 yards, while adding 56 yards and a crucial touchdown, and Oklahoma State rebounded from a rough first half to total 403 yards of offense. Tulsa’s strong start helped put the Golden Hurricane in position, though, as the program was able to win in Stillwater for the first time in more than 70 years.

Now, the pressure will continue to ramp up around Mike Gundy after a loss out of the bye. Oklahoma State is also still dealing with the fallout from a blowout loss at Oregon in Week 2. ESPN’s Pete Thamel said Gundy is the next coach likely “in the crosshairs” of a departure, but he also considered the situation as a whole considering his stature at OSU.

Friday’s game marked the final non-conference game for Oklahoma State. The Cowboys will open Big 12 play Sept. 27 against Baylor at home.