Mike Gundy, the long-time head coach of the Oklahoma State Cowboys, has had an illustrious career in the world of college football. Known for his strong leadership and fiery personality, Gundy turned Oklahoma State into a respected powerhouse in college football, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered despite his controversial end to the coaching tenure. With a net worth of $30 million, Gundy’s financial success, football career, and personal life make him a fascinating figure in the sports world.
Early Life and Football Beginnings
Born on August 12, 1967, in Midwest City, Oklahoma, Michael Ray Gundy grew up in the heart of Oklahoma, where football was a significant part of life. He was an outstanding athlete in high school, earning the title of Oklahoma Player of the Year as a senior, which opened the door for several college recruitment opportunities. The University of Oklahoma (OU) attempted to recruit him to play for the Sooners, but Gundy chose to stay in-state and play for the Oklahoma State Cowboys.
As a quarterback for Oklahoma State, Gundy quickly made a name for himself. He became the starting quarterback midway through his freshman year and led the team to notable victories during his tenure. Gundy’s ability to lead and his impressive statistics on the field helped him become the all-time leading passer in both Oklahoma State and Big Eight Conference history. His college career included nearly 50 touchdowns and 8,000 passing yards, with significant contributions to the team’s success, including wins in the 1987 Sun Bowl and 1988 Holiday Bowl.
Transition from Player to Coach
After graduating with a degree in secondary education and a focus on social studies in 1990, Gundy transitioned from player to coach. He started his coaching career at Oklahoma State in 1990 as a wide receivers coach. Gundy’s understanding of the game and his ability to connect with players helped him quickly rise through the coaching ranks. By 1991, he was named the quarterbacks coach, and by 1994, he became the offensive coordinator.
During this period, Gundy learned from some of the best, honed his skills, and built a reputation for developing quarterbacks. In 1996, he briefly left Oklahoma State for Baylor, where he coached quarterbacks, and then moved to Maryland, where he was the wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator. These experiences shaped his coaching philosophy, and he returned to Oklahoma State in 2001 as the offensive coordinator, setting the stage for his eventual head coaching role.
Head Coaching Career at Oklahoma State
In 2005, after serving as the offensive coordinator, Mike Gundy was named the head coach of the Oklahoma State Cowboys. His tenure as head coach would go on to be one of the most successful periods in the school’s football history.
During his 20-plus years at the helm, Gundy compiled an impressive record of 170-90, with multiple seasons of 10 or more wins. One of his crowning achievements came in 2011 when he led the Cowboys to their first Big 12 Championship, securing a victory in the Fiesta Bowl. Gundy’s leadership in the 2010s saw Oklahoma State become a regular contender in the Big 12, regularly competing for top rankings and bowl games. His success on the field included coaching several future NFL stars and helping elevate the profile of the Oklahoma State football program.
Despite occasional criticism and internal issues, including conflicts with coaching staff and players, Gundy’s coaching legacy is marked by consistent success. His efforts to transform Oklahoma State into a nationally recognized program earned him respect both within the conference and across the nation.
Salary, Contracts, and Career Earnings
Throughout his career, Mike Gundy’s contracts made him one of the highest-paid coaches in college football. His salary increased steadily as the Cowboys continued to perform at a high level. In 2022, he signed a deal that effectively functioned as a rolling five-year contract with automatic annual extensions, ensuring that his tenure at Oklahoma State would continue as long as he delivered consistent results.
By 2025, Gundy’s salary had reached around $7 million per year, with bonuses tied to bowl appearances and conference championships. His contract also featured a unique buyout structure that guaranteed him a $15 million payout if he was fired in the first three years of the deal. This financial arrangement ensured that Gundy would be well-compensated even if the program’s struggles led to his dismissal.
Over the course of his career, Mike Gundy earned well over $60 million in salary and bonuses. With the $15 million buyout triggered by his firing in September 2025, his total career earnings from Oklahoma State are estimated to exceed $75 million.
Personal Life and Family
Mike Gundy married Kristen Lyn Strickland on June 14, 1991. The couple has three children: sons Gunnar, Gavin, and Gage. Gundy’s family has remained a supportive part of his journey throughout his career. Known for his memorable “million-dollar mullet,” Gundy’s public persona and leadership on the field were matched by his warm and engaging family life off the field.
Though he is known for his bold personality, Gundy has faced some controversies. In 2013, “Sports Illustrated” published an article alleging that Gundy was involved in misconduct and corruption during his tenure as head coach, including improper payments to players and academic violations. However, after an internal investigation, Oklahoma State found no evidence of wrongdoing, and many players defended Gundy, refuting the accusations.
In 2020, Gundy faced another controversy when a photo surfaced of him wearing a t-shirt supporting the alt-right network One America News. This sparked outrage, particularly from running back Chuba Hubbard, who threatened to boycott the team until Gundy addressed the issue. Gundy later apologized, and the incident was resolved, but it added to the complexity of his tenure.
The End of an Era: Firing and Buyout
Mike Gundy’s time at Oklahoma State came to an end in September 2025, after a difficult season that included a 1-2 start and a 3-9 record in 2024. Despite the successes of his earlier years, the program’s recent decline and struggles with adapting to the changes in college football, including the impact of the NIL and transfer portal, led to his dismissal.
His firing triggered a $15 million buyout clause, guaranteeing him a significant financial payout despite the challenges faced by the program in his final seasons. Though the end of his career was less than ideal, Gundy leaves behind a legacy as the winningest coach in Oklahoma State history.
Conclusion
Mike Gundy’s career as a college football coach is one of significant achievement, marked by a transformation of Oklahoma State’s football program into a nationally respected team. His contributions to college football, both as a player and coach, and his financial success, have solidified his place in the history of the sport. With a net worth of $30 million, Mike Gundy’s legacy will be remembered for his leadership, resilience, and impact on the game, even as his tenure at Oklahoma State came to a dramatic close.