Mike Gundy, three games into his 21st season, has been released fromOklahoma State football’s coach.
Gundy, 58, was let go on Tuesday following a 1-2 beginning to the season with the Cowboys. He compiled a 170-90 record during his time with the team, which is the highest in the program’s history.
Doug Meachamis scheduled to be called the temporary head coach,The Oklahomanhas verified, with Rob Glass taking on a position responsible for managing the initiative as a whole.
But who will take Gundy’s place?
Here is The Oklahoman‘s hot board for the job. Not necessarily who we think the Cowboyswillhire, but who we believe theyshouldhire (within reasonable limits). Some applicants are more practical than others, but here is the sequence in which we would contact them.
1. Zac Robinson, Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator
Pros:Robinson has a strong connection to OSU. He comes from the Sean McVay coaching background. The previous time OSU hired one of its former quarterbacks as head coach, it turned out well. Robinson is 38, one year older than Gundy was when he accepted the position. He is dedicated to the program.
Cons:Robinson has never been a college coach. The game — with revenue sharing, name, image, and likeness, among other factors — has drastically evolved since he was an player. The Falcons’ offense was shut out … by the Panthers.
The Robinson era began at Gundy. A three-year starter from 2007 to 2009, Robinson is ranked fifth in Oklahoma State history for passing yards, fourth for touchdown passes, and third for quarterback rushing yards.
After retiring from playing, Robinson first worked as a private quarterback coach, and then joined the Rams in 2019 as an assistant quarterbacks coach. He is now in his second year as the offensive coordinator for the Falcons.
The individual from Littleton, Colorado, would be a new presence, yet also someone recognizable. He is a natural replacement for Gundy in that regard.
Some may view OSU as a temporary position. The expectation in hiring Robinson is that he intends to remain in Stillwater for an extended period.
Why would Robinson exit the NFL to return to college? Initially, he could expect a substantial increase in salary. Additionally, there’s no certainty that he will secure a head coaching position. This opportunity should be Robinson’s if he is interested.
2. Jon Sumrall, Tulane head coach
Pros:All he’s accomplished is winning … at Troy and Tulane. He has four years of head coaching experience, and prior to that, he served as an SEC defensive assistant at Kentucky andOle Miss. Dynamic personality.
Cons: No experience in the Big 12. The native of Alabama and former linebacker for Kentucky appears set to take a job in the SEC.
Sumrall would quickly capture the support of the fan community. He is just as compelling as any coach in the nation. Energetic, charming, and driven — all qualities that would appeal to both athletes and donors.
Sumrall has a record of 35-10 as a head coach. He guided Troy to consecutive seasons with 11 and 12 victories. Tulane (3-1) remains a contender to serve as the Group of Five representative in the College Football Playoff, despite suffering a lopsided defeat against Ole Miss.
A 43-year-old is likely to receive Power Four offers by the end of the season. OSU will need to be proactive in securing his commitment.
3. Alex Golesh, Head coach of South Florida
Pros:Has quickly reconstructed South Florida. Spent one season at OSU as a graduate assistant. Possesses Big 12 experience from working under Matt Campbell atIowa State.
Cons: Limited head coaching experience.
Alex Golesh has a record of 17-13 (8-8 in American conferences) at South Florida. That might not seem impressive? Keep in mind that he took charge of a team that had only managed to win four games total over the previous three seasons under Jeff Scott.
Could Golesh achieve another rapid recovery at Oklahoma State?
South Florida was defeated by Miami, but theBullsthey were the center of attention in college football following their victories against Boise State and Florida.
Born in Moscow to Russian parents, Golesh moved to the United States and attended high school in Ohio. He enrolled at Ohio State and served as a student assistant for the Buckeyes.
Golesh served under Matt Campbell at Iowa State from 2016 to 2019 as the tight ends coach and recruiting coordinator. Charlie Kolar from Norman North emerged as a standout player under Golesh’s guidance.
Golesh, similar to Sumrall, is a coach from the Power Four era.
4. G.J. Kinne, Head Coach of Texas State
Pros:Regional connections with a stint at Tulsa. Offensive strategist from the Gus Malzahn coaching lineage. Has performed well in lower-level positions.
Cons: Lack of experience.
Kinne, 36, has performed exceptionally well at Texas State — a place that isn’t easy to succeed in. Just ask Jake Spavital.
The Bobcatsfinished 8-5 with two bowl wins during Kinne’s first two seasons. Texas State is 3-1 this season, its only loss coming atArizona State.
Kinne secured the Texas State position following his leadership of FCS Incarnate Word to a 12-2 record in 2022.
Kinne’s connections to the region are interesting, as he has played at Tulsa and coached in his native state of Texas.
5. Ben Arbuckle, OU offensive coordinator
Pros:A native of Texas who is becoming familiar with Oklahoma as the offensive coordinator for OU. Experience in training quarterbacks. A sharp mind when it comes to offense. The opportunity to give OU fans a taste of their own medicine.
Cons:No experience as a head coach. May not be prepared for such a significant role.
Who claimed that Bedlam football was over?
Arbuckle was appointed as OU’s offensive coordinator nine months back. And now, he’s being discussed for the OSU head coaching position.
Quite impressive for someone who just celebrated their 30th birthday. He would become the youngest head coach in the FBS.Next five names:Ryan Silverfield (head coach of Memphis), Will Stein (offensive coordinator at Oregon), Collin Klein (offensive coordinator for Texas A&M), Brian Newberry (head coach of Navy), Tyson Helton (head coach of Western Kentucky)
Joe Mussatto works as a sports writer for The Oklahoman. Do you have a news tip for Joe? Send him an email atjmussatto@oklahoman.com. Help support Joe’s efforts and those of other Oklahoma journalists by buying asubscribe to the digital edition now at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
This piece first was published on Oklahoman:Oklahoma State football head coaching prospects: Five possibilities to succeed Mike Gundy
