Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy walks on the field before an NCAA football game between Oklahoma State and UT Martin in Stillwater, Okla., on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025.

(Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect Oklahoma State fired Mike Gundy on Tuesday, Sept. 23).

In college sports, there are some things you simply can't do. One of those things? Lose as a Power Four coach to an in-state Group of Five opponent.

Billy Napier did it Sept. 6 with Florida against South Florida, ratcheting the temperature on his seat up to boiling hot. On Sept. 19, Oklahoma State and Mike Gundy suffered the same fate at the hands of Tulsa in Boone Pickens Stadium, leading to a chorus of "Fire Gundy" chants from the Pokes faithful who turned up on a Friday night.

Gundy, who renegotiated his contract in December 2024 following a 3-9 season, his worst in Stillwater, has been with the Cowboys since 2005. In that span, he has gone 12-6 in bowl games and won the Fiesta Bowl twice.

One of college football's preeminent personalities, Gundy's Cowboys have cratered early in 2025, with the loss to Tulsa coming off a bye that succeeded a 69-3 loss at the hands of Oregon.

If Oklahoma State does elect to follow in the footsteps of UCLA and Virginia Tech, who have moved on from DeShaun Foster and Brent Pry, respectively, in this fledgling season, here's what to know about what it would cost to move on from Gundy.

Mike Gundy buyout

Following his renegotiated contract after last year's struggles, Gundy is owed $15 million following his termination without cause, per The Oklahoman. Had Oklahoma State fired him after Jan. 1, 2028, his buyout would have been reduced to $10 million.

Mike Gundy contract details

With his new deal, Gundy's salary was set for $6.875 million with a $125,000 increase per season. His contract was set through Dec. 31, 2028.

Mike Gundy record

  • Record at Oklahoma State: 170-90

Even with the dismal start to the year, Gundy's longevity and what he's done for the Cowboys program differentiates him from Foster, Pry, or even Napier if Florida ends up moving on from its coach.

A midseason firing is an unceremonious end to a highly decorated career in which he has gone 170-90 (including a 1-2 start to the 2025 season). But with the Big 12 schedule commencing after what should have been a get-right game against the Golden Hurricane, Oklahoma State's hand may have been forced.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mike Gundy buyout, contract: What Oklahoma State owes fired Cowboys coach

Reporting by Kevin Skiver, USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY

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