After 21 seasons at the helm, Mike Gundy is out as the Oklahoma State Cowboys football coach, marking the end of an era. Gundy, 58, was the longest-tenured coach in the FBS outside of Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz and led the Cowboys to eight of their 11 double-digit win seasons.
His departure leaves a significant void, especially as Oklahoma State seeks to modernize its program amid the evolving NIL landscape. Who are the top candidates to replace Gundy?
G.J. Kinne, Texas State
One of the fastest-rising young coaches in college football, G.J. Kinne has won eight games in both of his seasons at Texas State, the best records in the program’s FBS history. At just 36, Kinne combines proven results with geographic and cultural fit for Stillwater.
Many consider him a top candidate to land a Power Four job eventually, and Oklahoma State could be the perfect stepping stone.
Eric Morris, North Texas
Eric Morris has shown the ability to produce points and sustain a competitive program just three hours down I-35 from Stillwater. The Mean Green are off to a hot 4-0 start in 2025 under Morris, who previously helped turn Incarnate Word into an FCS power from 2018 to 2021.
While his overall record at North Texas stands at 15-14, his program-building experience and offensive expertise make him a strong candidate to replace Gundy at Oklahoma State.
Ben Arbuckle, Oklahoma (Offensive Coordinator)
Ben Arbuckle is another top candidate, having recently been hired as Oklahoma’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach after two successful seasons at Washington State. In 2024, Arbuckle’s Cougars offense ranked 12th nationally in scoring (36.8 points per game) and sixth in passing touchdowns (30).
SOURCES: Oklahoma State has made preemptive contact with Oklahoma OC, Ben Arbuckle.
There are a number of additional names currently being mulled. #OkState plans to reach out to several other major candidates. pic.twitter.com/P52LgR5GaZ
— Reagan Harris (OSU Mart) (@OKSTMart) September 23, 2025
His offensive units consistently rank among the top 30 in multiple categories, including yards per pass attempt, completion percentage, and total offense. Arbuckle’s ability to design high-powered offenses makes him an intriguing option to modernize Oklahoma State’s attack.
Collin Klein, Texas A&M (Offensive Coordinator)
Collin Klein, a 2012 Heisman Trophy finalist, is currently running one of the top 25 offenses at Texas A&M. At 36, Klein is on the fast track to a head coaching role. He began his coaching career at Kansas State, his alma mater, before moving up the ranks to become their offensive play-caller in 2022.
Fans and analysts view him as a future head coach, and Oklahoma State could provide the right platform to prove himself at the Power Four level.
Will Stein, Oregon (Offensive Coordinator)
Will Stein, Oregon’s offensive coordinator, rounds out the list of potential Gundy replacements. A Louisville native, Stein has guided Oregon offenses into the top 20 nationally in each of the last three seasons. His offensive acumen and regional ties make him a viable candidate, and his name is frequently mentioned in coaching searches each offseason.
KEEP READING: Mike Gundy Fired: 5 Oklahoma State Players Who Could Hit the College Football Transfer Portal
Replacing a 21-year coach like Mike Gundy is no small task. Whether Oklahoma State turns to a rising star like G.J. Kinne, a proven offensive mind like Ben Arbuckle, or another established coordinator, the next hire will need to modernize the program and position the Cowboys for sustained success in an evolving college football landscape.
