Oklahoma State Football Coaching Search: 5 Top Candidates to Succeed Mike Gundy

The Search for a New Leader: Oklahoma State Football's Coaching Transition

Mike Gundy, the long-time head coach of the Oklahoma State football team, has been relieved of his duties after just three games into his 21st season. At 58 years old, Gundy leaves behind a legacy that includes a 170-90 record, the best in program history. His departure comes after a 1-2 start to the season, prompting the Cowboys to look for a new leader.

Doug Meacham is set to take over as interim head coach, with Rob Glass stepping in to oversee the program. Now, the focus shifts to finding a permanent replacement for Gundy. Here are some of the top candidates being considered for the position.

Zac Robinson – A Familiar Face

Zac Robinson, currently the offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons, is seen as a strong candidate. He has deep ties to Oklahoma State, having played there as a quarterback from 2007 to 2009. Robinson is part of the Sean McVay coaching tree and brings a wealth of experience from his time in the NFL.

Pros: - Familiar with Oklahoma State - From the Sean McVay coaching tree - Loyal to the program

Cons: - No college coaching experience - The college game has evolved significantly since he played

Robinson’s potential move to Oklahoma State could be a significant step in his career, offering a substantial pay raise and an opportunity to lead a program he knows well.

Jon Sumrall – A Rising Star

Jon Sumrall, the head coach at Tulane, has made a name for himself by turning around programs at both Troy and Tulane. With four years of head coaching experience, Sumrall is known for his dynamic personality and ability to connect with players and fans alike.

Pros: - Proven track record of success - Engaging and charismatic

Cons: - No experience in the Big 12 - Likely to receive Power Four offers

Sumrall’s energy and passion could be exactly what Oklahoma State needs. However, his lack of Big 12 experience may make him a less immediate choice.

Alex Golesh – A Rebuilder

Alex Golesh, the head coach at South Florida, has shown the ability to turn around struggling programs. He previously worked under Matt Campbell at Iowa State and has experience in the Big 12.

Pros: - Rebuilt South Florida quickly - Experience in the Big 12

Cons: - Limited head coaching experience

Golesh’s background and success at South Florida make him an intriguing option. His work with players like Charlie Kolar could translate well to Oklahoma State.

G.J. Kinne – Regional Connections

G.J. Kinne, the head coach at Texas State, has built a successful program in a challenging environment. His experience at Tulsa and his regional ties make him an appealing candidate.

Pros: - Strong regional connections - Proven success in lesser jobs

Cons: - Lack of experience at the FBS level

Kinne’s ability to win in difficult circumstances could be beneficial for Oklahoma State. His recent success at Texas State adds to his appeal.

Ben Arbuckle – A Young Talent

Ben Arbuckle, the offensive coordinator at Oklahoma, is a young and energetic candidate. His background in developing quarterbacks and his knowledge of the state make him a compelling choice.

Pros: - Experienced in developing quarterbacks - Young and energetic

Cons: - No head coaching experience - May not be ready for the big job

Arbuckle’s potential to bring fresh ideas and energy to the program is a key factor in his consideration.

Other Notable Candidates

Other names on the list include Ryan Silverfield (Memphis), Will Stein (Oregon), Collin Klein (Texas A&M), Brian Newberry (Navy), and Tyson Helton (Western Kentucky). Each brings unique strengths and experiences that could benefit Oklahoma State.

As the search for a new head coach continues, the Oklahoma State football program will need a leader who can build on Gundy’s legacy while bringing new energy and direction to the team. The candidates mentioned above represent a mix of experienced coaches and rising stars, each with their own strengths and challenges.