Oklahoma State’s Mike Gundy Draws the Line on NIL Talks – No More Negotiating

“Mike Gundy has been the face of Oklahoma State football for over a decade, embodying the program’s toughness and resilience.” – Gundy’s long tenure and success at OSU have made him synonymous with the program’s identity, highlighting his significance in the college football world.

Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy has made it clear to his players: the time for negotiating NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals is over, at least until the season ends. With the Cowboys’ season opener just around the corner, Gundy emphasized the need to focus solely on football, putting a halt to discussions about money and NIL contracts.

Gundy, speaking last week, stated that he has told his players to stop asking for more money and to shift their attention to the game. “I told the players there’s no negotiating now,” Gundy said. “Portal’s over. All negotiation’s history. Now we’re playing football. Just coaching and playing football.”

#collegefootball Oklahoma State debuts NIL QR codes on helmets one day after Mike Gundy’s anti-NIL rant https://t.co/y80YeC58UE

— Adam (@Toyertoys5) August 20, 2024

The rapid rise of both the transfer portal and NIL deals in recent years has undoubtedly complicated the landscape of college football. Coaches like Gundy now find themselves navigating a world vastly different from when they first started. For Gundy, who has been at the helm of Oklahoma State since 2005, the shift is profound. However, with the season fast approaching, he’s determined to focus on the field.

“The business side of what we do now is, we have to have those conversations with them,” Gundy added. “Tell your agent to quit calling us and asking for more money. It’s non-negotiable now. Start again in December.”

Oklahoma State had a strong 10-4 finish last season, earning a spot in the Big 12 title game. Much of their success was driven by running back Ollie Gordon II, who had a breakout year, rushing for an FBS-high 1,732 yards and scoring 22 total touchdowns. Despite an offseason DUI arrest, Gundy confirmed that Gordon would not miss any playing time.

The Cowboys enter the 2024 season ranked No. 17 in the AP poll and are considered contenders for a spot in the newly expanded College Football Playoff. Their season kicks off on August 31 with a home game against South Dakota State.

Mike Gundy to his Oklahoma State players’ agents: ‘Quit calling us and asking for more money’ https://t.co/ZZhCWCY1i3

— L.A. Times Sports (@latimessports) August 20, 2024

While Gundy acknowledges that college football will continue to evolve, especially in how it handles NIL deals and direct payments to players, he is content to put those concerns on hold. “It’s going to change again,” Gundy said. “Over the next 5 ½ months, we can just play football. That’s what I’ve asked the staff to do and the players to do, is get out of the realm of all this stuff that’s gone on and just play football through January. After that, we can get back into it.”

Quotes

• “I’m a man! I’m 40!” – This quote became famous after Gundy’s heated defense of one of his players during a press conference in 2007. It showcased his loyalty and protective nature towards his team, and the quote has since become a part of college football lore.
• “Mike Gundy has been a stalwart at Oklahoma State, bringing stability and success to a program that once struggled to find its footing.” – This reflects Gundy’s impact on the Oklahoma State football program, turning it into a consistent contender in the Big 12 Conference.
• “He has a unique ability to connect with his players, understanding the balance between being a demanding coach and a supportive mentor.” – Gundy is often praised for his ability to foster strong relationships with his players, pushing them to achieve their best while also being someone they can rely on for guidance.
• “Gundy’s mullet became a symbol of his unapologetic personality, a reflection of his unconventional approach to coaching and life.” – His iconic hairstyle, which he sported for several seasons, became a talking point and a symbol of his laid-back yet confident demeanor.

Key Points:

i. Mike Gundy has told his players to stop negotiating NIL deals and focus on football until the season ends.

ii. NIL and transfer portal complexities have changed college football, but Gundy is prioritizing gameplay.

iii. Oklahoma State finished 10-4 last season and enters this season ranked No. 17 in the AP poll.

iv. Running back Ollie Gordon II, despite offseason legal issues, will not miss playing time.

v. Gundy plans to revisit NIL negotiations after the season, emphasizing focus on football through January.

James Kravitz – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News