Mike Gundy Biography: Michael Ray Gundy born August 12, 1967 is an American college football coach and former player, currently serving as the head football coach at Oklahoma State University. He played quarterback for the Oklahoma State Cowboys from 1986 to 1989. Gundy took over as head coach on January 3, 2005, and is now among the longest-tenured FBS coaches at a single school, alongside Kyle Whittingham of the University of Utah, trailing only Kirk Ferentz. Both Gundy and Whittingham are the longest-serving coaches in the Big 12 Conference.
Mike Gundy Biography 2025
Michael Ray Gundy is an American college football coach and former player. He is the head football coach at Oklahoma State University. Gundy played college football at Oklahoma State, where he played quarterback from 1986 to 1989. He became Oklahoma State’s coach on January 3, 2005.
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Born: 12 August 1967 (age 57 years), Midwest City, Oklahoma, United States
Spouse: Kristen Gundy
Team coached: Oklahoma State Cowboys football (Head coach, since 2005)
Date joined: 1986 (Oklahoma State Cowboys football)
Children: Gunnar Gundy, Gage Gundy, Gavin Gundy
Education: Midwest City High School, Oklahoma State University
Height: 1.75 m
Mike Gundy Biography 2025 Details
Born
August 12, 1967 (age 57)
Midwest City, Oklahoma, U.S.
Gundy began his football journey at Midwest City High School, where he played quarterback and earned the title of Oklahoma Player of the Year in 1986, under the guidance of coach Dick Evans. Though heavily recruited by the Oklahoma Sooners, he ultimately signed with Oklahoma State. Gundy became the starting quarterback midway through his freshman season and went on to set records as the all-time leading passer in Oklahoma State and Big Eight Conference history.
Over his four years, he threw for 49 touchdowns and accumulated 7,997 passing yards, including 2,106 yards in 1987 and 2,163 in 1988. Gundy led the Cowboys to bowl victories in both the 1987 Sun Bowl and the 1988 Holiday Bowl, supported by Hall of Fame running backs Thurman Thomas and Barry Sanders. He also guided OSU to two seasons with ten wins.
Born Michael Ray Gundy on August 12, 1967, in Midwest City, Oklahoma, he has a brother, Cale, who was a starting quarterback at the University of Oklahoma and later served as an assistant coach. Gundy attended Midwest City High School, where he was recognized as Oklahoma Player of the Year. Although heavily recruited by the Oklahoma Sooners, he chose to play for Oklahoma State, where he became the starting quarterback midway through his freshman year. He set records for passing yards and touchdowns, leading the Cowboys to victories in the 1987 Sun Bowl and the 1988 Holiday Bowl. Gundy graduated in 1990 with a degree in secondary education, focusing on social studies.
Coaching Career
After graduation, Gundy began as an assistant coach at Oklahoma State. He progressed from wide receivers coach in 1990 to quarterbacks coach in 1991 and offensive coordinator in 1994. He then coached at Baylor and Maryland before returning to OSU in 2001 as offensive coordinator. Gundy’s tenure as head coach began in 2005, where he faced challenges, including a tough first season. However, his leadership turned the program around, culminating in a successful period from 2008 to 2017, with multiple 10-win seasons and significant bowl appearances. In 2011, Gundy became the winningest coach in OSU history and led the team to a Big 12 championship and a Fiesta Bowl victory. He signed a rolling five-year contract in 2020, ensuring his continued leadership at the university.
Mike married Kristen Lyn Strickland on June 14, 1991, and they have three sons: Gunnar, Gavin, and Gage. Gundy is known for his distinctive hairstyle, often referred to as his “million-dollar mullet.”
Controversies
Gundy faced scrutiny in 2013 when “Sports Illustrated” published allegations of misconduct during his tenure, including issues related to player payments and academic integrity. Gundy denied these claims, and subsequent investigations found no evidence of wrongdoing. In 2020, he faced backlash for wearing a shirt promoting an alt-right network, leading to a public apology after player Chuba Hubbard expressed his concerns.
Gundy has been recognized as Big 12 Coach of the Year multiple times and received the Paul “Bear” Bryant Award and the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year award in 2011. He was inducted into the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame in 2021.
Mike listed his 80-acre ranch in Stillwater, Oklahoma, for $8 million. The property features 13,000 square feet of living space, a large home theater, a workout room, a pool with a waterfall, and several stocked ponds.