In a dramatic shift for the Oklahoma State football program, head coach Mike Gundy has announced the dismissal of both his offensive and defensive coordinators following a disappointing Big 12 season. The move comes after a year in which Oklahoma State struggled to meet expectations, ending the season with a losing record in conference play. This decision marks a significant turning point for a program that has experienced considerable success under Gundy in the past, but has faced increasing scrutiny due to recent underperformance.
The dismissal of both coordinators—offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn and defensive coordinator Derek Mason—has sent shockwaves through the Oklahoma State football community. The Cowboys, once perennial contenders in the Big 12, have seen their fortunes slip in recent years, and Gundy’s decision signals that significant changes are needed to restore the program to its former glory.
### A Disappointing 2024 Season for Oklahoma State
The 2024 season proved to be a challenging one for Oklahoma State, as the Cowboys finished with a subpar record in Big 12 play. Despite having a talented roster and high expectations coming into the season, the team struggled to find consistency on both sides of the ball. Offensive production stagnated, and the defense, which had been a source of pride in recent seasons, allowed too many big plays. The result was a series of disappointing losses, and ultimately, a failure to secure a spot in a major bowl game.
Oklahoma State’s offense, which had been a hallmark of the program under Gundy’s tenure, became one of the biggest points of concern. Kasey Dunn, who had been with the program for several years, was tasked with maintaining the high-scoring attack that had previously defined the Cowboys. However, the offense lacked the explosiveness it had shown in past seasons, and struggles at quarterback and along the offensive line hindered the team’s ability to execute. Oklahoma State’s offense seemed to stall in key moments, failing to capitalize on opportunities and leaving the defense to pick up the slack.
On the defensive side of the ball, Derek Mason, who was hired as the defensive coordinator in 2022, inherited a unit that had been one of the Big 12’s toughest in the previous seasons. However, under Mason’s leadership, the defense became more inconsistent, struggling with both run defense and pass coverage. The Cowboys allowed several large scoring plays and were unable to get timely stops in critical moments. While there were flashes of potential throughout the year, the defense ultimately could not live up to expectations, contributing to the team’s inability to compete at the level Gundy had hoped for.
### Mike Gundy’s Leadership and Accountability
Mike Gundy, the longest-tenured head coach in the Big 12, has led Oklahoma State since 2005 and has been widely praised for his ability to build competitive teams in Stillwater. Over the years, Gundy has established a reputation for developing strong offenses and producing NFL talent. However, the past few seasons have seen increasing pressure on Gundy to produce a championship-contending team. While he is beloved by fans for his loyalty to the program, his decision to part ways with both coordinators reflects a growing frustration with the team’s performance.
In his statement regarding the changes, Gundy emphasized the need for improvement across all areas of the program. He expressed his disappointment with the team’s overall performance in 2024 and stated that both coordinators had been informed that they would not be returning for the next season. Gundy also underscored his commitment to the team and the fanbase, recognizing that the program’s goals—competing for Big 12 championships and national recognition—are still within reach, but only if significant changes are made.
The decision to dismiss both coordinators is a clear indication that Gundy is taking full accountability for the team’s struggles. Rather than blaming individual players or pointing to outside factors, Gundy is signaling that the coaching staff must be held accountable for the lack of success. It is a bold move, but one that is in line with his desire to return Oklahoma State to the upper echelon of college football.
### The Fallout: Reactions and Expectations
The decision to part ways with both coordinators has sparked a variety of reactions among fans, players, and analysts. Some have applauded Gundy for making the tough but necessary decision, while others have expressed concern about the future direction of the program. The departures of Dunn and Mason could signal a complete overhaul of Oklahoma State’s offensive and defensive strategies, and the next hires will be critical in determining whether the program can return to prominence.
From a fan perspective, the firing of both coordinators comes with a sense of urgency. Oklahoma State has enjoyed periods of success under Gundy, including multiple 10-win seasons and a Big 12 Championship appearance in 2011. However, with other programs in the conference, such as Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas State, continuing to strengthen their football programs, there is pressure for Oklahoma State to keep up. The Cowboys’ performance in 2024 only heightened the sense that a change in leadership was necessary to compete for a conference title and potentially a spot in the College Football Playoff.
The decision to make such sweeping changes could also have implications for recruiting. With coaching staff turnover, there is always the possibility that current commitments or prospective recruits may reconsider their decisions. Oklahoma State will need to act quickly to reassure its recruits and ensure that it can continue to attract top talent to Stillwater. Gundy’s ability to make strong hires to replace Dunn and Mason will be paramount in maintaining momentum on the recruiting trail.
### The Search for New Coordinators
The next step for Gundy and the Oklahoma State program is finding suitable replacements for the offensive and defensive coordinator positions. This search will be a crucial one, as the new hires will be responsible for shaping the future of the team. Gundy will need to find coaches who can adapt to the modern trends in college football while also understanding the unique challenges of coaching in the Big 12.
For the offensive coordinator role, Oklahoma State will likely seek someone who can re-energize the offense and help maximize the talents of the quarterback position, which has been a point of frustration in recent years. On the defensive side, Gundy will need a coordinator who can return the defense to its previous form, focusing on discipline, consistency, and an ability to stifle high-powered offenses.
### Looking Forward
As Mike Gundy dismisses both of his coordinators, the pressure is now on him to make the right hires and lead Oklahoma State back to its competitive edge in the Big 12. The program’s future hinges on the ability to revamp its coaching staff and get back to winning ways. With the right leadership, the Cowboys can rebound from a tough season and remain a formidable force in college football for years to come.
