Mike Gundy shares key to longevity in coaching: 'I have to be comfortable with people thinking I'm not very smart'

Now going into his 21st season with the Oklahoma State Cowboys, head coach Mike Gundy has found rare longevity in the sport. That’s been a tenure where he’s faced his share of criticism, but he’s learned to handle it in time.

Coming off a difficult 3-9 season in 2024, Gundy has recently faced a challenging offseason full of difficult choices. That included making some major coaching changes. However, as he explained at Big 12 Media Days, he’s been able to handle that by accepting blame and getting comfortable over time taking blame, or even being called dumb, for his decisions.

“One advantage I have is I’ve done this a long time,” Mike Gundy said. “So, I’m to a point now I can take the pride out of it and I’m willing to look and say, you know what, ‘That was my fault.’ When we let go of Bryan Nardo, our defensive coordinator, I told him, ‘Half of this is my fault. Unfortunately, I have to make a change.’ So, in having that experience, I can take a step back. Gives me a chance to identify things I need to correct, and how you go about it. So, you learn to grow.”

Mike Gundy has found plenty of success at Oklahoma State. The former Cowboys quarterback took over in 2005, and since then has a 169-88 record, a Big 12 conference title, and 10 AP Top 25 finishes. Still, after missing a bowl and going winless in the Big 12 last season, criticism of Gundy arose. That led to a reported standoff with the school and a restructured contract.

“I really believe this,” Gundy said. “It takes about 10 years, in my opinion, to become a good head coach. Where you can ride the wave and be comfortable in an uncomfortable situation. So, I have to be comfortable with people thinking I’m not very smart. ‘Why did you do that? Why did you hire that guy? That’s a terrible play call.’ Because that’s the way it works in big time college athletics.”

Mike Gundy will be putting his experience to the test in 2025. The Cowboys need to find a way to bounce back in this upcoming season. That starts with UT Martin before the Cowboys take a difficult road trip to Oregon.

Athlon Sports assesses Mike Gundy’s hot seat temperature entering 2025

Heading into the 2025 season, it appears that Mike Gundy is on the hot seat. Ahead of that, Athlon Sports broke down just how warm his seat might have become after last season.

“After a prolific playing career and leading the program to 169 victories as a head coach, Gundy is Oklahoma State football,” the article stated. “But after last year’s 3-9 record and reworked contract that included a pay cut, it’s clear that Gundy is under some pressure.”