(BCSNN) — After more than three decades as part of Oklahoma State football and in his 21st season at the helm, Mike Gundy is out as the head coach of Cowboys Football. The university announced Tuesday that it has parted ways with the longtime head coach, effective immediately. It's a somewhat stunning move that closes the book on one of the most enduring tenures in modern college football.

Gundy’s fingerprints are all over OSU’s rise. From his days as a record-setting quarterback in the late 1980s to his 20-year run as head coach, Gundy helped transform the Cowboys from a Big Eight afterthought to a Big 12 contender. His 170 career wins are the most in school history—108 more than any other coach—and his resume includes a 2011 Big 12 title, five New Year’s Six bowl appearances, and eight 10-win seasons. He was named Big 12 Coach of the Year three times, in 2010, 2021, and again in 2023.

But college football has changed, and Oklahoma State is signaling it’s ready to change with it. Athletic director Chad Weiberg cited the sport’s evolving demands and the need for “investment to compete at the highest level”. Translation: the Power 4 arms race is accelerating, and OSU wants a coach who can keep pace in the NIL, transfer portal, and playoff era.

“This is a pivotal moment,” Weiberg said. “The stakes have never been higher, and we need everyone on board."

Gundy’s departure comes amid mounting pressure following a 1–2 start and a home loss to in-state rival Tulsa. While the timing may feel abrupt, the decision reflects a broader shift in college football—where legacy no longer guarantees longevity, and alignment with the future matters more than past glory.

"This is a decision about what's best for our football program, our student-athletes and Oklahoma State University and it reflects our unwavering commitment to championship-level football and competing for national success," said OSU President Jim Hess. "Coach Gundy dedicated decades of his life to OSU, achieving significant success and positively impacting hundreds of young men who wore the OSU uniform. His contributions to our university, both as a player and coach, deserve our profound respect and will not be forgotten. We are grateful for his service and wish him and his family the very best."

But the message is clear: Oklahoma State is looking ahead, and the next chapter begins now. The search for a new head coach is underway, and with Big 12 expansion, playoff access, and national relevance on the line, the Cowboys are betting big on reinvention.