After more than two decades at the helm, Mike Gundy is no longer the face of Oklahoma State football. The longtime head coach, who began leading the Cowboys in 2005, was dismissed following a 1-2 start in his 21st season. His departure has left Stillwater reeling, with players and former stars alike reflecting on the impact of his tenure.
One of the loudest voices to emerge was Dez Bryant, arguably Gundy’s most high-profile recruit. The former All-American wideout and NFL Pro Bowler took to social media to show his gratitude for the coach who helped shape his career.
“I remember Coach Gundy coming to my high school and telling me that if I came in and did everything I was supposed to do…I’d be in the pros in 3 years,” Bryant posted. “He said he thought I had that type of talent…I trusted him…and it happened…Thank you Coach for giving me an opportunity to live out my dream!”
For Bryant, Gundy’s prediction turned out to be spot-on. He was drafted in the first round by the Dallas Cowboys in 2010, just three years after leaving Stillwater.
Dez Bryant’s Career at Oklahoma State Under Mike Gundy
Bryant arrived in Stillwater in 2007 as a four-star recruit out of Lufkin, Texas, choosing Oklahoma State over schools like Texas A&M and Texas Tech. He quickly validated Gundy’s confidence in him, emerging as one of the most dynamic receivers in the Big 12.
In three seasons, Bryant hauled in 147 receptions for 2,425 yards, averaging 16.5 yards per catch, with 29 touchdowns. His impact wasn’t limited to offense. As a punt returner, he totaled 431 yards on 22 returns, scoring three touchdowns and averaging an astounding 19.6 yards per return.
Bryant’s best season came in 2008, when he put up 1,480 receiving yards and 21 total touchdowns. His efforts earned him Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year honors as well as First-Team All-Big 12 recognition.
Unfortunately, his collegiate career ended abruptly in 2009. The NCAA ruled Bryant ineligible after three games for failing to disclose meetings with Deion Sanders, cutting short what could have been another dominant season.
Even with the early exit, Bryant left an indelible mark. During his three years, Oklahoma State posted a 25-14 record with two AP top-10 finishes, though they struggled in the postseason, going 1-3 in bowl games.
Mike Gundy Had Emotional Goodbye from Oklahoma State
While Bryant’s tribute reflected Gundy’s past, the coach’s present connection to his players remained just as meaningful. According to On3’s Chris Low, Gundy addressed his team after practice on September 24, delivering an emotional farewell.
“He told them how much they had meant to him and how he would always be there for them and urged them to finish out the season the right way,” Low reported.
One observer described the moment to Low as one of the “saddest moments” they had seen in their career, noting “a lotta tears all the way around.”
In Oklahoma State’s official press release of Gundy’s firing, Athletic Director Chad Weilberg said, “I believe I speak for OSU fans everywhere when I say that we are grateful for all he did to raise the standard and show us all what is possible for Oklahoma State football.”
Dez Bryant Speaks Out On Mike Gundy’s Oklahoma State Firing