Took "blue blood" OU a dozen years to recover during a less volatile time. Knee jerk overreactions going into the "House settlement" era, with $20 million a year, or more, player salary commitments, would be a massive blunder.
Keeping a coach that might have just given up and doesn't care anymore would be an even bigger blunder

Took "blue blood" OU a dozen years to recover during a less volatile time. Knee jerk overreactions going into the "House settlement" era, with $20 million a year, or more, player salary commitments, would be a massive blunder.

"a dozen years" when has OU ever been down for a dozen years??

"a dozen years" when has OU ever been down for a dozen years??

From memory I recall Switzer got run off around 1988; Gary Gibbs was around a 65-70% winner for his 6-ish years; Schnellenberger was 50% for his lone season; John Blake had a losing record for his 4; Bob Stoops was about 6-5 his first year when they went bowling in Shreveport. I might be wrong on some details, but I don't think it is by much.

From memory I recall Switzer got run off around 1988; Gary Gibbs was around a 65-70% winner for his 6-ish years; Schnellenberger was 50% for his lone season; John Blake had a losing record for his 4; Bob Stoops was about 6-5 his first year when they went bowling in Shreveport. I might be wrong on some details, but I don't think it is by much.

9-3 is not really "down" .. and that was gibbs record in a couple of his years ..

and OU was not 6-5 in bobs first year ...

9-3 is not really "down" .. and that was gibbs record in a couple of his years ..

and OU was not 6-5 in bobs first year ...

oh come on boulder, we all know that if you ignore the 3 good years and the 3 still pretty dang good years in that 12 year span, OU was totally down 12 years. this is all about gut feelings... and doesn't it feel like in your guy that OU was bad and recovering for 12 years?

Gibbs was never respected as coach at the level he should have been, IMO. But 9-3 is down in unrealistic eyes of a spoiled fan base, and that fan base thought Gibbs was never as good as the guy he replaced. So, they chased and chased for the next savior.

Same thing happened at Nebraska with Frank Solich. And they are still flailing.

And yes, I stand corrected-Bob Stoops was 7-5 his first year at OU.

oh come on boulder, we all know that if you ignore the 3 good years and the 3 still pretty dang good years in that 12 year span, OU was totally down 12 years. this is all about gut feelings... and doesn't it feel like in your guy that OU was bad and recovering for 12 years?

lol thank you ..

Dying to know what's happening in a particular room in Stillwater right now...

ESPN is reporting that OSU has presented Gundy with a reworked contract. Supposedly it lowers his salary and takes away his autonomy in staff decisions. And supposedly he has until 5:00 to agree to it or not.

Pay cut too, per News9.

He should take the 21 million dollar buyout and go coach elsewhere or retire. I am sure a few colleges would hire him in no time.

He should take the 21 million dollar buyout and go coach elsewhere or retire. I am sure a few colleges would hire him in no time.

I think most coaching contracts have provisions that the coach has to actively seek and maintain employment in his field, and that salary offsets the money the school is paying him.

And Tulsa is looking for a coach.

I think most coaching contracts have provisions that the coach has to actively seek and maintain employment in his field, and that salary offsets the money the school is paying him.

And Tulsa is looking for a coach.

That would be quite the windfall for Tulsa until the 21 million ran out and they had to make up the difference. Not optimistic Gundy's ego would sustain that either.

I think most coaching contracts have provisions that the coach has to actively seek and maintain employment in his field, and that salary offsets the money the school is paying him.

And Tulsa is looking for a coach.This is an area of college sports I haven't really looked into. But I've never heard of a school requiring a that a fired/resigned coach look for another position. That just rings of something that's not even legal. So if Gundy doesn't accept the offer and decides to retire to his beloved ranch he doesn't get his buyout? Because at his point in life he'd rather retire than try to rebuild some other program? I can't see that.

This is an area of college sports I haven't really looked into. But I've never heard of a school requiring a that a fired/resigned coach look for another position. That just rings of something that's not even legal. So if Gundy doesn't accept the offer and decides to retire to his beloved ranch he doesn't get his buyout? Because at his point in life he'd rather retire than try to rebuild some other program? I can't see that.

I think all the big buyout contracts contain offset provisions. It isn't commonly reported because it doesn't make the schools look as stupid as we like to claim. I think the offset, and requirement to seek employment language is why Mike Boynton is an assistant at Michigan this year, rather than taking a year off after being fired as OSU basketball coach.

I think all the big buyout contracts contain offset provisions. It isn't commonly reported because it doesn't make the schools look as stupid as we like to claim. I think the offset, and requirement to seek employment language is why Mike Boynton is an assistant at Michigan this year, rather than taking a year off after being fired as OSU basketball coach.I can maybe see it if the coach leaves on his own. I just don't buy that a school can fire a coach and require them to seek another position.

I can maybe see it if the coach leaves on his own. I just don't buy that a school can fire a coach and require them to seek another position.

It is part of the life changing, fortunes of money they offer the coach. "We are going to guarantee you incredible wealth. But, if we fire you, we require that you seek gainful employment and use that salary against what we are paying you not to work for us." Who would turn that incredible financial offer down?

It is part of the life changing, fortunes of money they offer the coach. "We are going to guarantee you incredible wealth. But, if we fire you, we require that you seek gainful employment and use that salary against what we are paying you not to work for us." Who would turn that incredible financial offer down?Fine in theory. But can any employer legally force you to seek employment if you're fired. Just doesn't make sense.

ESPN is reporting that OSU has presented Gundy with a reworked contract. Supposedly it lowers his salary and takes away his autonomy in staff decisions. And supposedly he has until 5:00 to agree to it or not.

And if he doesn't agree to it then what? He continues under his current contract?

EDIT - Ch 5 sports at 6:00 just reported that the OSU board has discussed firing Mike Gundy for cause which means they wouldn't have to pay his buy out if he doesn't accept the new contract. They also reported Gundy is in a stand off with the University.

Supposedly they’ll fire him for cause & no buyout. At least that’s what I read.

And if he doesn't agree to it then what? He continues under his current contract?

That's not been made clear. But if he says no I'm sticking to the current contract I would imagine that would create a very contentious situation. And what would that do to donations that drive NIL.

Did you see my edit?

Did you see my edit?

If he was "fired for cause" you can bet there will be a lawsuit. If a court ordered his reinstatement what would that mean for the replacement? Hard to say what side has the leverage

Did you see my edit?

The information in your edit was in the first report on ESPN early afternoon. KOCO is a few hours behind.

If he was "fired for cause" you can bet there will be a lawsuit. If a court ordered his reinstatement what would that mean for the replacement? Hard to say what side has the leverage

Well I doubt he’d be reinstated, though he’d surely sue to collect the $25 million. Likely if he doesn’t agree to the new deal and OSU attempts to fire him for cause, they will ultimately settle out of court for some amount less than $25 million.

Makes that Tulsa job look more attractive. He doesn't have to move; will be fueled by revenge; recruits the same areas where he is already known and respected.

OSU and Gundy come to terms

https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/42835475/mike-gundy-agrees-restructured-deal-stay-oklahoma-st

Good for OSU but I wonder how the fan base feels. I know a lot of diehards who were ready to move on from Gundy.

Well I doubt he’d be reinstated, though he’d surely sue to collect the $25 million. Likely if he doesn’t agree to the new deal and OSU attempts to fire him for cause, they will ultimately settle out of court for some amount less than $25 million.
Doubt no more lol

Good for OSU but I wonder how the fan base feels. I know a lot of diehards who were ready to move on from Gundy.

I'm an OSU Alum and I've been ready to move on from Gumdy for a few years now. When he was first hired he described coaching OSU was his New York Yankees job. I don't think he's felt that way for a while now.

I hope this gives OSU a new look and stays competitive. New coordinators and NIL money should help.

I hope this gives OSU a new look and stays competitive. New coordinators and NIL money should help.

i honestly think it just pushed the rock down the road a year or two. but it does sound like a potential future buyout might have dropped in price now. waiting to see the full details to know for sure

At the time, offering Gundy a solid competitive Big 12 coach's contract looked good. Seems to me Gundy is experiencing some forms of Burn Out. Wish him and OSU football the best.

This has been a disaster for all 3 of our state's division 1 programs.

i honestly think it just pushed the rock down the road a year or two. but it does sound like a potential future buyout might have dropped in price now. waiting to see the full details to know for sure
Exactly. And if it's just putting off the inevitable can OSU get recruits and portal players to come and stay.

OSU president Kayse Shrum is resigning.

Not even 4 years on the job.

She senses weakness in the field. Can’t blame her for making a push.

OSU president Kayse Shrum is resigning.

Not even 4 years on the job.

OSU alum friend suggests she's making a gubernatorial run.

OSU alum friend suggests she's making a gubernatorial run.

Then why quit immediately and before the school year is even over?

It sounds like she was forced out.

Everything I've heard indicates she's angling for Gov.

Being such a strange time to resign. I thought she might have just found a better job at another university.

Governor? lol

Then why quit immediately and before the school year is even over?

It sounds like she was forced out.

Stitt and his creature Walters don't want her to run?

One would think the race is Drummond's if he doesn't mess up.

One of wildest things I read today is that Stitt sent her out so he could become OSU president when his term is up. People need to get some more hobbies.

Looks like NonDoc posted a story about what is really going on:

https://nondoc.com/2025/02/05/amid-innovation-foundation-inquiry-osu-president-kayse-shrum-resigns/?fbclid=IwY2xjawIQmEtleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHbRv5kW2bFQf 9u8F980ckkXln7d1BisfiZ-TOh5ZGBznb8ynlldTPzzykQ_aem_Mp5g5slg1I_CT9BG_hypzg

"Amid an ongoing review of improper transfers of “legislatively appropriated funds” involving Oklahoma State University’s Innovation Foundation, the university’s governing board announced the resignation of OSU President Kayse Shrum this morning with no explanation, no comment from Shrum and no response to inquiries by university officials."

"...showing four “motions” that the Board of Regents for the Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges made and approved after a lengthy executive session Friday. The motions involve an apparent review of how state-appropriated dollars are being handled by OSU and its associated Innovation Foundation..."

The fact her resignation was effective Feb. 3rd and that she has made no statement at all is not consistent with someone voluntarily resigning to seek public office.

She must have been forced out and in the absence of any real public explanation, tons of theories are going to fill the void.

They haven't even named an interim president, so something must have happened quite suddenly.


BTW, Shrum's husband Darren was very involved with the Innovation Foundation. And there was this in that NonDoc article:


Both Jerome Loughridge, senior vice president and chief of staff, and Elizabeth Pollard, CEO and president of the Innovation Foundation, are also leaving the university.

You're right Pete, something a little more going on.

Dr. Jeanette Mendez was named interim president.

Dr. Jeanette Mendez was named interim president.

Mendez is "acting president". An interim president still has to be voted on by the Regents.

Something bad must have happened, as Shrum left very abruptly and without a statement, the university has not offered an explanation, and two other high-ranking foundation officials are also gone.


Since OSU is public, eventually the truth will have to come out.

Sounds like misspent funds. FOIA will reveal the truth eventually unless there are criminal charges.

Mendez is "acting president". An interim president still has to be voted on by the Regents.

Something bad must have happened, as Shrum left very abruptly and without a statement, the university has not offered an explanation, and two other high-ranking foundation officials are also gone.


Since OSU is public, eventually the truth will have to come out.

They key word is "eventually." For years OU has fought the release of information regarding David Boren's tenure.

OSU president Kayse Shrum is resigning.

Not even 4 years on the job.


https://clubrunner.blob.core.windows.net/00000101670/Images/Untitled-design--10-.png

Every era in time needs a blonde bombshell :D

Mendez is "acting president". An interim president still has to be voted on by the Regents.

Something bad must have happened, as Shrum left very abruptly and without a statement, the university has not offered an explanation, and two other high-ranking foundation officials are also gone.


Since OSU is public, eventually the truth will have to come out.

Stillwater's female city manager was abruptly dismissed last year. She supposedly didn't fit in.

One of wildest things I read today is that Stitt sent her out so he could become OSU president when his term is up. People need to get some more hobbies.

Gov. Kevin Stitt 'has no intention' of becoming Oklahoma State's next president.
https://www.ocolly.com/news/osu/gov-kevin-stitt-has-no-intention-of-becoming-oklahoma-states-next-president/article_0097efa6-e3e8-11ef-bbe4-57f578086a07.html

A review of OSU's 2025 football schedule:

https://www.stwnewspress.com/sports/breaking-down-the-2025-oklahoma-state-football-schedule/article_fa9765da-e36c-11ef-886e-83ab07533350.html

Mendez is "acting president". An interim president still has to be voted on by the Regents.

Something bad must have happened, as Shrum left very abruptly and without a statement, the university has not offered an explanation, and two other high-ranking foundation officials are also gone.


Since OSU is public, eventually the truth will have to come out.

My guess is that Stillwater is regarded as quite a highly inappropriate place to try to start up new business ideas to put under incubation. Instead, such infant businesses should try to get their start in Oklahoma City and/or Tulsa. But Shrum disagreed. So nothing corrupt went on. Just strong disagreement over which city funding for startups should be going. The situation could affect proposed plans at Innovation Park, a 678-acre collaborative research park in southwest Stillwater: https://www.stwnewspress.com/news/osu-s-innovation-park-holds-community-forum-applies-for-grant-funding-for-pedestrian-bridge/article_3f1408a4-e344-11ef-ad74-0f4886b22f24.html

If the outcome to this means that innovative ideas for business and industry in Oklahoma will have a greater chance of succeeding, then that will be good. Oklahoma doesn't attract much big business and industry wanting to move in from the outside. Therefore, the state must figure out to best come up in promoting new business ideas of its own that arise from within. More support and funding for education couldn't hurt.

Nondoc is reporting that there were issues regarding transfer of funds to a "development group" that may have been outside legislative rules. Supposedly the regents put down some motions to stop the activity and Shrum's resignation followed shortly thereafter. One comment was made that she went from "University president" one day to "no support" in the span of a few days.

I'd have to think we will be hearing more of this eventually.

I suspect this would put the kibosh on the gubernatorial rumors.

From what I hear, she was directing funds to OSU Tulsa that were meant for OSU Stillwater, something about one of her pet projects (where she got her doctorate degree). This is unconfirmed, but what I heard (buddy with family on the BOR, so...).

Usually, someone well-regarded by their boss(es) can easily weather a mistake or two.

From my experience, someone only gets fired over something like this when they are already on thin ice.


Shrum was popular in some quarters, but it seems some of the OSU Board were not behind her and quickly got her out.

I know the OSU vet school -- a very important part of the university -- is still on probation with all sorts of issues, something Shrum inherited but was unable to fix in almost 4 years.

Usually, someone well-regarded by their boss(es) can easily weather a mistake or two.

From my experience, someone only gets fired over something like this when they are already on thin ice.


Shrum was popular in some quarters, but it seems some of the OSU Board were not behind her and quickly got her out.

I know the OSU vet school -- a very important part of the university -- is still on probation with all sorts of issues, something Shrum inherited but was unable to fix in almost 4 years.

Pete, can you elaborate on problems with OSU's vet school? Theirs is one of the best in the country, and I hate to think that they're having trouble solving problems, whatever they may be.

Pete, can you elaborate on problems with OSU's vet school? Theirs is one of the best in the country, and I hate to think that they're having trouble solving problems, whatever they may be.

Actually, it is one of the worst vet schools in the country and has been for quite a while. US News ranks it tied at #27 with only two schools ranked lower.

https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-health-schools/veterinarian-rankings

They have been on "probationary accreditation" since 2017 with several major deficiencies:

https://archive.cvmindependent.com/6-years-after-avma-probation-how-is-cvm-doing/

The vet dean resigned last November.

Actually, it is one of the worst vet schools in the country and has been for quite a while. US News ranks it tied at #27 with only two schools ranked lower.

https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-health-schools/veterinarian-rankings

They have been on "probationary accreditation" since 2017 with several major deficiencies:

https://archive.cvmindependent.com/6-years-after-avma-probation-how-is-cvm-doing/

The vet dean resigned last November.

The OSU CVM has held probationary accreditation since 2024. They have two years to correct the deficiencies identified:

https://www.avma.org/sites/default/files/2024-10/Oklahoma-deficiencies-09-2024.pdf

The AVMA evaluates the accreditation status of these institutions every six months.

However, the CVM did receive probationary accreditation back in 2017, and, after correcting deficiencies, regained regular accreditation in 2018.