After more than two decades in Stillwater, Mike Gundy’s run as Oklahoma State’s head coach has come to an end. The school announced his firing after a disappointing stretch that left boosters and fans questioning the program’s direction. Gundy leaves with a legacy that includes Big 12 titles, memorable Bedlam wins, and consistent bowl trips, but also with frustration that OSU never broke through to the very top of college football. His departure opens the door to one of the most intriguing coaching searches of the 2025 season.
After the firing of Gundy, Oklahoma State now faces the task of finding the right successor to carry the Cowboys into a new era. There are young offensive minds on the rise, proven program builders, and even some controversial veterans who could attract attention. Here are five of the most likely candidates to replace Gundy, along with one polarizing name who could re-enter the conversation.
Who Could Replace Mike Gundy at Oklahoma State?
1. GJ Kinne (Texas State Head Coach)
GJ Kinne is one of the hottest young names in coaching right now. At just 35 years old, he has already transformed Texas State into a program that plays fast, scores points, and wins games in a way few expected.
His offenses have ranked among the most explosive in the Group of Five, and that style would resonate with Oklahoma State fans who have grown used to high-scoring football under Mike Gundy. Kinne’s recruiting ties in Texas and Oklahoma make him a natural fit, as OSU often pulls talent from both states.
He has also shown the ability to rebuild a program quickly, something that would be appealing if Oklahoma State wanted a fresh start. The downside is his limited head coaching résumé, which could be a risk in a Power Four job.
Still, his rise has been rapid, and athletic directors around the country are paying attention. Kinne’s energy and offensive system would generate excitement in Stillwater. He is someone who checks the regional and cultural boxes, and if OSU wants a bold, future-focused hire, Kinne makes sense.
2. Jon Sumrall (Tulane Head Coach)
Jon Sumrall has become one of the most consistent names linked with almost every major coaching search. His rise at Troy was impressive, turning the Trojans into a Sun Belt contender through toughness, defense, and discipline.
That success got him the Tulane job, where he has already shown he can handle bigger expectations. Sumrall is seen as a culture-builder, a coach who can take a program and raise its standards across the board.
He would bring a defensive-minded approach to Oklahoma State, something different after years of Air Raid-style football under Gundy. His ability to develop players and maximize talent is exactly what a school like OSU needs in the new era of college football.
He also has a reputation for being a strong recruiter, particularly in the South, which could help expand Oklahoma State’s footprint. The concern is whether his style meshes with the Big 12’s offensive identity.
Even so, his name keeps coming up for a reason. If OSU wants stability and toughness, Sumrall would be a strong choice.
3. Alex Golesh (South Florida Head Coach)
Alex Golesh is another coach with momentum after building his résumé in multiple spots. He cut his teeth as an assistant at Iowa State and Tennessee, helping design some of the most fast-paced offenses in college football.
At South Florida, he has proven he can lead a program on his own, and the Bulls’ improvement has been noticeable. Golesh is known for his energy and ability to recruit, traits that would translate well to Stillwater.
He understands the Big 12 from his time with Matt Campbell at Iowa State, giving him a feel for the league’s recruiting and style of play. His age (40) also makes him appealing, as he would bring a long-term plan rather than a short-term fix.
The knock against him is that his head coaching track record is still short, so it is hard to know if his early success can be sustained. Still, his offensive mind and connections would make him an intriguing candidate.
Oklahoma State fans would see a modern, aggressive system if he took over. Golesh feels like a coach ready to make the jump.
4. Collin Klein (Texas A&M Offensive Coordinator)
Collin Klein is well-known across the Big 12 from his playing days at Kansas State. As a quarterback, he embodied toughness and leadership, and those traits have carried into his coaching career.
He quickly rose through the ranks as an assistant, eventually calling plays at Kansas State before moving to Texas A&M this year. Klein is respected for his ability to develop quarterbacks, which would be a valuable asset for Oklahoma State.
His no-nonsense approach fits the culture in Stillwater, where fans value grit and work ethic. While he has never been a head coach, his ceiling is considered high by many around the sport.
Taking over OSU would be a leap, but one that could pay off with time. The timing is tricky since he just joined A&M, but that has not stopped schools from making bold moves before.
Klein’s ties to the Big 12 make him a natural candidate. He represents a bet on upside and character, something OSU may find attractive.
5. Ben Arbuckle (Oklahoma Offensive Coordinator)
Ben Arbuckle is only 30 years old, but his name is already generating buzz in coaching circles. He has made a mark as an offensive mind, first at Western Kentucky and now at Oklahoma.
His offenses produce yards and points at a pace that fits right in with what Oklahoma State fans expect. Hiring Arbuckle would be a risk because of his age and lack of head coaching experience.
Still, there is a clear trend of young coordinators stepping into big jobs and thriving. Arbuckle would also come with instant knowledge of Oklahoma recruiting, which could give OSU an edge in battles with its in-state rival.
His style would bring continuity with the offensive tradition in Stillwater. The gamble is whether he can handle the CEO responsibilities of running a program.
But if OSU wanted to make a splash by betting on the next great offensive coach, Arbuckle would fit. He is seen as a high-upside candidate who could grow into the role.
Controversial Pick: Dana Holgorsen (Former Houston Head Coach)
Dana Holgorsen would be a polarizing choice, but one that makes sense in some ways. He already has a connection to Oklahoma State, serving as offensive coordinator during one of the program’s best stretches under Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon.
His offenses are proven, and his Big 12 experience is extensive. On the other hand, Holgorsen’s tenure at Houston ended poorly, with critics saying he underachieved despite strong resources.
That reputation could make him a tough sell for some OSU fans. Still, the idea of bringing back a familiar face with a track record of offensive success has appeal.
Holgorsen also knows how to recruit Texas, which remains key for Oklahoma State. The hire would generate instant headlines and probably some excitement, but also plenty of skepticism.
He is the kind of candidate who splits a fanbase right down the middle. If OSU wanted experience over upside, Holgorsen could sneak back into the mix.
