Blend of offensive, defensive minds on short list of candidates for vacant Cowboys job
For more than two decades, Mike Gundy was the face of Oklahoma State football.
A mulleted maverick who turned Stillwater into a perennial contender not only in the Big 12, but on the national stage.
From his unforgettable “I’m a man! I’m 40” rant to guiding the Cowboys to their first Big 12 title and a Fiesta Bowl win in 2011, Gundy’s tenure was marked by consistency, swagger, and a uniquely OSU brand of grit.
He left the Cowboys as the winningest coach in program history, having built a legacy of offensive firepower, player development, and a fiercely loyal fan base that embraced his unapologetic style.
Now, with Gundy’s departure, Oklahoma State stands at a crossroads.
The next hire isn’t just about X’s and O’s—it’s about identity that makes the program distinguishable in a crowded landscape.
In a shifting Big 12 landscape, OSU must choose a leader who can preserve its two-decade run while reimagining its future. Whether it’s a homegrown hero, a rising tactician, or a culture-first CEO, athletics director Chad Weiberg has a decision that will shape the next era of Cowboy football.
Zac Robinson, Falcons OC
Why he fits: Robinson is Cowboys royalty.
He’s a former star quarterback under Gundy, understands the culture, expectations, and fan base. His NFL pedigree, especially under an innovator such as Sean McVay, brings schematic sophistication and instant credibility.
He’d energize alumni and recruits with a homegrown narrative identical to Gundy, to help lead the Cowboys back into the limelight of national relevance.
GJ Kinne, Texas State
Why he fits: Kinne is young, fearless, and offensive-minded coach, which is everything OSU fans loved about early Gundy.
Kinne’s proven he can build a program quickly at Texas State with the transfer portal to elevate a program that has lacked consistency.
He has Tulsa roots dating back to days as the Golden Hurricane’s quarterback which gives him a possible leg up for regional recruiting purposes.
He’d bring tempo, swagger, and a modern edge to Stillwater’s playbook.
Kinne’s offense currently ranks No. 40 nationally in total offense with over 440 yards per game while also scoring more than 36 points per game which ranks No. 43 nationally with a 3-1 overall record.
The Bobcats’ lone loss came against Arizona State two weeks ago, 34-15, but games against James Madison and Southern Miss will play a factor in Kinne being the guy at OSU.
Eric Morris, North Texas
Why he fits: Morris is a disciple of the Texas Tech school of offense, and has already turned North Texas into a scoring machine.
His ability to develop quarterbacks and stretch defenses would resonate with OSU’s offensive identity. Plus, he’s a Texas native with recruiting reach deep into Big 12 territory.
The Mean Green offense averages 47 points (No. 9 FBS) and are undefeated with a 4-0 overall record with home games against South Florida and UTSA looming.
Ben Arbuckle, Oklahoma OC
Why he fits: If there is any offense ready made for success in the Big 12 its certainly Arbuckle’s.
The league has a reputation for offensive wunderkind’s and Arbuckle is just at at 30-years-old. Through four games, he has already transformed Oklahoma’s attack on the arm and legs of quarterback John Mateer.
Hiring Arbuckle would be a swing for the fences, a high risk, high reward type. OSU could position itself as the incubator of the next great coaching mind should he decide to jump ship causing Bedlam within the state’s borders.
Alex Golesh, USF
Why he fits: While Golesh seems unlikely to land in Stillwater, it’s hard to dismiss his OSU DNA, spending one year under Gundy in 2008 as a graduate assistant.
Golesh has rebuilt South Florida into one of the premier Group of Five jobs with creativity and grit which makes him a top candidate for several potential openings across the country.
His Big 12 experience at Iowa State and UCF could give him a strategic edge in a better league and could fire up some mighty offenses once again.
Jeff Traylor, UTSA
Why he fits: Traylor’s name comes up for almost all Power Conference coaching openings, but has yet to leave the Roadrunners at this point.
He has turned UTSA into a consistent winner, leading the program to five straight bowl games, notched two double-digit win totals and has never experienced a losing season.
He is a Texas high school coaching legend which makes him a perfect fit at Oklahoma State with his ability to recruit the Lone Star State.
If OSU wants stability, toughness, and a coach who knows how to win with less, then Traylor’s blueprint sells itself.