Oklahoma State football coach Mike Gundy thought Cowboys tried to do too much vs. Oregon. He addressed that ahead of Friday's game vs. Tulsa

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 would get paid $15 million if he is terminated without cause before Dec. 31, 2027, per The Oklahoman. From Jan. 1, 2028 onwards, his buyout is reduced to $10 million.

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

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 would be an unceremonious end to a highly decorated career. 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 be forced if it wants to get a jump on the search for its next coach.

Mike Gundy buyout: What it would cost for Oklahoma State to fire storied coach