Mike Gundy’s long run at Oklahoma State has come to an end. The former quarterback turned head coach took over the Cowboys on January 3, 2005, and stayed in the job for 21 seasons before being dismissed during the 2025 campaign.
His departure closes the most successful era the program has ever experienced. Gundy, once remembered for his fiery “I’m a man, I’m 40” press conference, leaves at 58 as one of the longest-serving coaches in major college football, second only to Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz.
He was responsible for eight of the Cowboys’ 11 double-digit win seasons and had become the face of the program. But with name, image, and likeness initiatives changing the landscape, Oklahoma State decided to move in a new direction.
The firing came after a rocky start to the year. The Cowboys opened 1-2, suffering a 19-12 loss to Tulsa before Gundy was let go. It was their second setback against the in-state rival under his watch and followed the largest defeat of his career, a 69-3 blowout against sixth-ranked Oregon. The season looked grim, and the school acted quickly.
The move was announced on Tuesday, only a day after Gundy insisted at a news conference that the coach was committed to the program and still had more than three years left on his deal. “When I was hired here to take this job, ever since that day, I’ve put my heart and soul into this,” Mike said. Now, with the decision made, Oklahoma State will owe him $15 million in buyout money.
So, how much is Mike Gundy actually worth at the time of his firing? Here’s a full look at his net worth, salary, and contract history.
What Is Mike Gundy’s Net Worth?
Gundy’s net worth is estimated at $15 million, with the bulk of his wealth tied to his decades-long career in coaching.
Before becoming a coach, Gundy was a standout quarterback at Midwest City High School and drew heavy interest from top programs, including the Oklahoma Sooners. He ultimately chose to play for Oklahoma State.
Mike Gundy’s Salary from Oklahoma State
He spent almost his entire coaching career at Oklahoma State, where his salary grew over the years as the program climbed in stature. His most recent contract listed his annual pay at over $6.5 million.
In 2008, the Cowboys turned in their strongest season in twenty years, spending much of the year inside the top 15 before closing with a Holiday Bowl matchup against Oregon. Soon after, Gundy signed a seven-year deal worth $15.7 million.
The program went on to win the Big 12 championship in 2011 and the Fiesta Bowl in 2012. That same year, on September 24, Mike earned his 63rd victory as head coach, becoming the winningest coach in school history.
In 2020, the school agreed to a rolling five-year contract, often described as “perpetual.” By December 2024, the agreement was revised to include a smaller salary, a reduced buyout, and added fundraising duties that contributed to his compensation. Under that deal, his salary for 2025 was $6.75 million, with $125,000 raises scheduled each year through 2028.
If Mike was dismissed without cause before December 31, 2027, the buyout was set at $15 million, dropping to $10 million in 2028.
House and Property
In April 2024, Gundy put his 80-acre ranch in Stillwater, Oklahoma, on the market with an asking price of $8 million.
Gundy and his family had lived there since 2012, but with his children grown and out of the house, the former athlete and his wife chose to sell, saying the home had become more space than they needed
The estate offers 13,000 square feet of living space, complete with a home theater, a workout room, and a pool with a waterfall.
