Oklahoma State announces new changes to Mike Gundy’s contract

Oklahoma State is giving head football coach Mike Gundy a raise with the hopes he becomes the face of the new Big 12.

Fresh off arguably the greatest season in program history, Oklahoma State football coach Mike Gundy is getting a raise from his alma mater.

Gundy is one of the longest-tenured head coaches in the Power Five, as he took over for Les Miles in Stillwater back in 2005. In his 17 years leading the Pokes, Gundy is 149-69 overall and 91-56 in Big 12 play. The 2021 Cowboys went 12-2 overall and 8-1 in conference play. Although they came up one yard short of winning the Big 12, Oklahoma State bounced back and won the Fiesta Bowl.

The Pokes are a very real threat to make the College Football Playoff for the first time in school history next fall.

“I’ve spent a majority of my life in Stillwater. Oklahoma State is home. This next-level commitment from our president, Dr. Kayse Shrum, athletic director Chad Weiberg and our Board of Regents is a monumental step in solidifying Cowboy Football for the future as a national brand,” Gundy said in a statement released by the university. “I’m thankful for Chad, our relationship, and the support and loyalty he’s shown not only to me, but to our assistant coaches, support staff, student-athletes, former players, fans and everyone involved with OSU Football. The Cowboy Culture has never been stronger.

“We’ve already established OSU Football as a contender on the national stage,” he added. “My excitement with our administration and their vision has me looking forward to long-term success on and off the field.”

Here are the finer details of the contract changes that benefit the long-time Cowboys head coach.

Oklahoma State football: Mike Gundy contract details

Gundy saw his annual compensation increase $1 million to $7.5 million for the 2022 college season. He is to receive a $1 million retention bonus over the next five years. Other details in his existing contract, such as the $125,000 annual escalator and the annual one-year extension, remain intact. Oklahoma State thinks Gundy can turn this team into a new Big 12 powerhouse.

With Oklahoma and Texas leaving the Big 12 for the SEC, Oklahoma State is in a terrific position to become one of the preeminent programs in the revamped Power Five conference. Oklahoma State becomes the big state school now. While adding BYU, Cincinnati, Houston and UCF will change the dynamic, Oklahoma State is one of the programs that benefits greatly here.

Of course, Oklahoma and Texas’ departure helps other teams like Baylor, TCU and Texas Tech most notably, in addition to Oklahoma State. What serves the Cowboys is they have been a consistent 10-win program throughout much of Gundy’s tenure in Stillwater. They are usually a game away from getting to Arlington. From there, they can contend for more New Year’s Six bowls and such.

If Oklahoma State builds off last year’s success, Gundy may see his bank account grow even more.

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