Oklahoma State Fans Call for Coach Gundy’s Dismissal After Historic Loss to Tulsa
In a stunning turn of events, Oklahoma State suffered a humiliating defeat at home to Tulsa on Friday, marking the first time in 74 years that the Cowboys have lost to their in-state rivals at Boone Pickens Stadium. The 19-12 loss dropped Oklahoma State to a concerning 1-2 record for the season and ignited passionate calls from fans for the firing of long-time head coach Mike Gundy. The game’s broadcast on ESPN captured the unmistakable chants of “Fire Gundy” echoing through the stadium, first erupting before halftime when Tulsa held a commanding 16-3 lead, and then resurfacing with four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter as hopes for a comeback dwindled.
This defeat follows a troubling pattern for the Cowboys, who managed a modest 27-7 victory over UT Martin in their season opener but were subsequently demolished by sixth-ranked Oregon in a lopsided 69-3 blowout last week. The consecutive disappointing performances have clearly tested the patience of a fanbase accustomed to success under Gundy’s leadership. Coming off their worst season during Gundy’s tenure—a dismal 3-9 record last year—this latest setback against Tulsa has intensified scrutiny on the program’s direction and leadership.
Despite the vocal displeasure from the stands, Gundy, now 58 years old, chose to praise the Oklahoma State faithful in his post-game comments. “They were awesome tonight, they really were,” he remarked according to the New York Post. “The stadium was full, and they were fired up, and they were awesome.” This positive characterization of fans actively calling for his dismissal demonstrated either remarkable composure or a deliberate attempt to deflect from the mounting pressure surrounding his position.
When directly confronted about the calls for his firing, Gundy maintained his professional demeanor, responding: “Those aren’t decisions that I make. My decision is to do exactly what I mentioned earlier and get these guys and keep on moving forward and go on down the road, and that’s what you do.” This measured response reflects the attitude of a coach who has weathered storms before during his extensive tenure with the program, though perhaps none as threatening as the current situation.
Gundy’s overall record at Oklahoma State remains impressive on paper—170 wins against 90 losses over 21 years and 260 games. This longevity has made him a fixture at the university and one of the most recognizable figures in college football. His success over the years has earned him considerable goodwill, but consecutive disappointing seasons could be eroding that capital rapidly. The once-patient Oklahoma State fanbase appears increasingly unwilling to accept mediocrity or regression from a program that has previously competed at high levels under Gundy’s leadership.
The Cowboys will face another significant test next week when they host the Baylor Bears, who currently hold a 2-1 record. This upcoming home game represents a critical opportunity for Gundy and his team to change the narrative and begin rebuilding confidence among supporters. A victory could temporarily quiet the calls for his dismissal, while another defeat would likely intensify the pressure on university administration to consider a coaching change. As Oklahoma State navigates this tumultuous period, the coming weeks will reveal whether Gundy can engineer yet another comeback in his storied career or if the program might indeed be approaching the end of an era.
