Former Georgia Bulldogs defensive coordinator Todd Grantham is Oklahoma State’s new defensive coordinator
Former Georgia Bulldogs defensive coordinator Todd Grantham will become the defensive coordinator for the Oklahoma State Cowboys under coach Mike Gundy. ESPN’s Chris Low first reported the move via social media.
Oklahoma State is coming off a brutal 3-9 season. The Cowboys had one of the worst defenses in the country and allowed at least 38 points in each of their final eight games, all losses.
Grantham became the New Orleans Saints’ defensive line coach in 2023, but the Saints fired coach Dennis Allen in early November, so Grantham’s future was uncertain at best.
Grantham served as the defensive coordinator for the Florida Gators from 2018-2021 before becoming an analyst for the Alabama Crimson Tide under Nick Saban in 2022.
Grantham was Georgia’s defensive coordinator from 2010-2013 during the Mark Richt era. Grantham, who played college football as an offensive lineman at Virginia Tech, has extensive college and NFL coaching experience.
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Grantham previously coached in the NFL from 1999-2009. He was the defensive line coach for the Indianapolis Colts, Houston Texans and Dallas Cowboys during his time in the NFL. He served as the Cleveland Browns’ defensive coordinator from 2005-2007.
Breaking down what reportedly happened between Oklahoma State and Cowboys football coach Mike Gundy.
Welcome to FTW Explains: A guide to catching up on and better understanding stuff going on in the world. You may have heard about Mike Gundy clashing with his employer, Oklahoma State, and wondering what is going on. That’s OK because we’re here to help.
Oklahoma State football coach Mike Gundy was in a standoff with the school over his salary and contract that seemingly resolved itself very quickly throughout the last couple days, according to multiple reports Friday and Saturday.
Oklahoma State also reportedly wasn’t ruling out firing Gundy if the coach was unwilling to compromise with the school.
The Cowboys have plenty of reasons to be less than pleased with Gundy, especially after they finished the 2024 season with an abysmal 3-9 record and zero (0) Big 12 victories. Ranked No. 17 in the AP Top 25 preseason poll, Oklahoma State won its first three games against South Dakota State, Arkansas and Tulsa before going on to lose the nine and closing with a 52-0 loss to Colorado.
So, not a great season for Gundy and co., and it sure seems like Oklahoma State leaders aren’t thrilled. So let’s break down what reportedly happened in the recent stalemate between the football coach and the school.
Reports Oklahoma State asked Mike Gundy to take a pay cut
Oct 5, 2024; Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys coach Mike Gundy enters the field for a game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Boone Pickens Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
The Oklahoman reported that the Oklahoma A&M Colleges Board of Regents met for more than two hours on Friday morning, and “the focus of the meeting was believed to be focused on Gundy and his contract status in the aftermath of a 3-9 season the struggles of which were exacerbated by Gundy’s comments about unhappy fans.” But the meeting ended without any action being taken.
“We have a plan,” Board chair Jimmy Harrel told the media as he left the meeting room, via The Oklahoman. “As soon as we have it tied down, we’ll inform you of it.”
Oklahoma State asked Gundy to accept a restructured contract and met with officials to talk about his future with the Cowboys, according to a report Friday from ESPN’s Pete Thamel citing anonymous sources. He was under contract through the 2028 season, and the proposed restructured agreement included a significant pay cut and decrease in his buyout.
Not only did Oklahoma State reportedly want to change the terms, but it also might have been a borderline ultimatum.
They have discussed firing him for cause if he doesn’t agree to the new contract. He's owed nearly $25 million on his current contract.
If Gundy didn’t agree to the restructured contract, there were talks of firing him for cause, though it’s not clear what may warrant being fired for cause, Thamel reported.
Mike Gundy agreed to a restructured contract with Oklahoma State
By Saturday, this whole mess was reportedly resolved.
Gundy and Oklahoma State reached an agreement on a restructured contract, meaning he’ll continue coaching the Cowboys, ESPN’s Chris Low reported Saturday citing sources.
Mike Gundy and Oklahoma State have reached an agreement on a restructured contract that will keep him as @CowboyFB’s coach. The resolution comes after days of discussions between the sides. Gundy, the winningest coach in school history, will enter his 21st season.
As part of the restructuring of Gundy’s contract, his $7.75 million annual salary will be reduced to be redistributed as part of revenue sharing with players, and his buyout will be reduced, sources told ESPN. Gundy would have been owed $25.3 million had he been fired without cause.
Has Oklahoma State said anything official about Mike Gundy’s new contract?
Other than Harrel’s comments following the Oklahoma A&M Colleges Board of Regents meeting Friday, Oklahoma State hasn’t really commented on the situation.
OSU dismissed offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn and defensive coordinator Bryan Nardo on Wednesday, but Friday’s special meeting was posted at approximately the same time “for the purpose of considering evaluation/assessment and other information relevant to the employment of Oklahoma State University football staff.”
Prior to him and the Cowboys agreeing to new contract terms going forward, his buyout in 2024 was $25,359,375, which is the 27th-largest.
What did Mike Gundy say about Oklahoma State fans?
Gundy isn’t one known to hold back, and he criticized fans during a press conference in November, saying “most people are weak” and said his critics are people who “can’t pay their own bills.”
“…in most cases, the people who are negative and voicing their opinion are the same ones that can’t pay their own bills. They’re not taking care of themselves. They’re not taking care of their own family. They’re not taking care of their own job but they have an obligation to speak out and complain about others because it makes them feel better. But then in the end when they go to bed at night, they’re the same failure that they were before they said anything negative about anybody else.”
Gundy ultimately apologized for his comments, but this was hardly his first controversy.
This summer at Big 12 media day, Gundy was criticized for appearing to make light of drinking and driving, saying: “I’ve probably done that a thousand times in my life.” He later clarified the point he was attempting to express.
My intended point today at Big 12 media days was that we are all guilty of making bad decisions. It was not a reference to something specific.
In another incident in 2020, Gundy agreed to take a $1 million pay cut and a reduced buyout after a public clash with players — who were threatening to boycott playing — over the coach wearing a far-right TV network, One America News T-shirt. In 2021, the school announced his salary and “perpetual five-year contract” were restored, ESPN reported.
How long has Mike Gundy been Oklahoma State’s football coach?
Gundy just finished coaching his 20th season with Oklahoma State, his alma mater, and after agreeing to a restructured contract, he’ll return for No. 21. As the Cowboys’ winningest coach, Gundy has a 169-88 record in 20 seasons, which included a 2011 Big 12 championship.
However, with the 3-9 finish this season, Gundy’s streak of leading the team to 18 straight bowl games was snapped.
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Oklahoma State running back Ollie Gordon is a rare non-quarterback candidate to win the 2024 Heisman Trophy award.
Oklahoma State Cowboys running back Ollie Gordon is one of 10 favorites to win the 2024 Heisman Trophy award according USA Today Sports, as they prepare for the season getting ready to start this weekend.
Gordon was one of the top running backs a season ago and is one of two players on the list who is not a quarterback. This is what the article had to say about the star back.
Gordon is the one non-quarterback really in the Heisman mix after leading the Bowl Subdivision last season in rushing yards (1,732) and finishing second in touchdowns (21). As the focal point of Oklahoma State’s offense, he could exceed those totals if the Cowboys can find some balance in the passing game. But Gordon’s recent arrest on DUI charges could complicate his Heisman candidacy, even if coach Mike Gundy said he won’t miss any playing time.
Gordon and the Oklahoma State Sooners open their season on August 31st at home against South Dakota State.
Last season Ollie Gordon led the nation in rushing yards with 1,732 yards and he was 2nd in the nation for rushing touchdowns with 21 touchdowns.@CowboyFB#DAT#GoPokespic.twitter.com/pG0WNIbkUH
— The Voice of College Football Network (@TheVOCFB) August 19, 2024
That was not the only member of the Big 12 on the list. Both Colorado Buffaloes star players Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter made the list. Sanders is the quarterback for coach Deion Sanders, while Hunter is listed as a cornerback and wide receiver. Here is the clip on them:
Ranked individually among the top players in college football, Sanders and Hunter have name recognition, a track record of high-level production and the eyeballs that come with starring for one of the most-watched programs in the country. Heisman-winning campaigns have been built on less. But there’s a catch: Colorado might be better, but the Buffaloes won’t rank among the best teams in the FBS – and that’s become pretty much a must-have prerequisite for Heisman contention. Sanders and Hunter might have to settle for two of the top spots in next year’s NFL draft.
Sanders and Hunter will start a little earlier. They host North Dakota State on August 29th.
Elijah Collins was a staple of the Michigan State football backfield for several seasons to end Mark Dantonio’s tenure and to begin Mel Tucker’s tenure. While things didn’t work out in East Lansing long term, and Collins had to transfer to Oklahoma State, he is going to get a look in the NFL.
Collins has been invite to a mini camp, rookie tryout with the Cincinnati Bengals, where the University of Detroit Jesuit product will get his chance at a professional career.
The #Bengals have reportedly signed the following UDFA’s:
RB Elijah Collins (Oklahoma State) RB Noah Cain (LSU) QB Rocky Lombardi (Northern Illinois) LB Aaron Casey (Indiana) LB Maema Njongmjeta (Wisconsin) OT Eric Miller (Louisville) P Austin McNamara (Texas Tech) WR Trey…
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After suffering a right arm injury on the first play of the Texas Bowl against No. 20 Oklahoma State on Wednesday night in Houston, Texas A&M sophomore quarterback Jaylen Henderson is on the road to recovery.
After suffering a right arm injury on the first play of the Texas Bowl against No. 20 Oklahoma State on Wednesday night in Houston, Texas A&M sophomore quarterback Jaylen Henderson is on the road to recovery.
Henderson’s journey back to Kyle Field got off to a positive start on Thursday, he shared via X.
“Very successful surgery,” Henderson posted. “I appreciate all the thoughts and prayers!”
The sophomore signal caller was hit and landed awkwardly after completing an 11-yard pass to junior wide receiver Jahdae Walker to begin the matchup. As a lefty, he injured his non-throwing arm.
After the 31-23 loss to the Cowboys at NRG Stadium, Aggies interim head coach Elijah Robinson shared his thoughts on the injury.
“Everybody wants to protect the quarterback and it’s not that anybody did anything wrong,” Robinson said Wednesday. “It was just a good hit on the guy and the guy got hurt. For the most part, those guys rallied around (Marcel Reed) and he responded.”
The specifics of Henderson’s injury have not been released. Sports & family medicine physician Jesse Morse, MD was among those on X speculating about what just occurred in the national broadcast on ESPN.
“Likely a fracture and/or dislocation,” Morse posted. “Hard to tell if he fractured humerus (upper arm), elbow or both. He was fitted for an air-cast which is almost always used for a fracture.”
Very successful surgery I appreciate all the thoughts and prayers!
Henderson wasn’t the only Texas A&M player to get banged up in the bowl game. Walker suffered a left shoulder injury attempting to make a touchdown catch in the first period but he later returned. However, the wideout kept it G sporting a sling in an X post on Thursday.
“Alldae” endeared himself to the 12th Man by not only participating in the contest but also gutting through an injury to record eight receptions for 137 yards. With a nod to Hall of Fame pass-catcher Shannon Sharpe, Walker let an appreciative Aggies fan know that he left it all out on the gridiron.
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Shaun on Twitter: @Shaun_Holkko.
Texas A&M fought hard all game long but fell just short in the TaxAct Bowl
Undermanned and inexperienced, the Aggie football team gave the Big 12 runner-up all they could handle at NRG Stadium but fell short in the 31-23 loss to No. 20 Oklahoma State in the TaxAct Bowl.
When the clock hit triple zeros, it officially ended the Jimbo era, and Interim head coach Elijah Robinson fulfilled his promise to the players on the team to stick with them through the bowl game. Even though things did get a little weird near the end, Coach Robinson always let it be known how much respect he has for the university and the time spent at A&M.
“I have nothing bad to say about this program. This program is first class, and they’re going to take it to the top.”
Below, you can check out the best photos from the game on Wednesday.
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Seniors Max Wright and Sam Mathews have big games during the TaxAct Bowl and speak post game presser
The 2023 football season has officially come to an end for the Aggie Football team and new head coach Mike Elko has a lot to look forward to in the future.
I don’t think anyone knew what to expect when the Aggies took the field at NRG Stadium on Wednesday night. Then, when third-string QB Jaylon Henderson was knocked out of the game on the very first play from scrimmage, it appeared that skipping the game altogether might have been the wiser choice.
However, true freshman Marcel Reed, 180 pounds soaking wet, showed that Aggie spirit and fought all game long, giving A&M a fighting chance to the very end. Two seniors, Max Wright and Sam Mathews, played huge roles in keeping the game in reach, capping off their final game in the Maroon & White. Wright finished the game with four receptions for 62 yards and Mathews finished with a career night that he will never forget.
His stat line consisted of a team-leading 14 tackles, 1.5 TFLs, and an interception. Max and Sam both talked about their time at A&M and what this season meant to them.
“Texas A&M, to me, is the perfect representation of what it means to be people of honor and people of character. It’s the best university in the world, and there is no other university like it. I will be an Aggie for the rest of my life.” – Max Wright
“This season has been one I’ll never forget. Those last weeks might have been my favorite on this team with how everybody bought in and committed to each other. It was special to be a part of.”
Below, you can hear everything Max Wright and Sam Mathews had to say following the game.
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Texas A&M true freshman quarterback Marcel Reed likely didn’t expect to get any significant playing time during the 2023 season but life comes at you fast and he was more than ready when the opportunity presented itself.
Texas A&M true freshman quarterback Marcel Reed likely didn’t expect to get any significant playing time during the 2023 season.
However, life comes at you fast and he was more than ready when the opportunity presented itself. Sophomore starter Jaylen Henderson injured his right arm on the first play of the Texas Bowl on Wednesday night in Houston, which thrust Reed into the spotlight on a national stage.
The undermanned Aggies may have lost to No. 20 Oklahoma State but the 2023 Mr. Football in Tennesee seized the moment. Reed had made two previous appearances in limited-action this year, on Nov. 11 against Mississippi State and the following week versus Abilene Christian.
On Wednesday at NRG Stadium, the true freshman completed 20 of 33 pass attempts for 361 yards and one interception, which was a Hail Mary heave on the game’s final play.
Reed’s yards passing was the most against a Power Five opponent since Kellen Mond tossed for 430 yards against Clemson in 2018. Since then, only one other performance topped Reed’s extended debut, when Haynes King passed for 364 yards against Sam Houston State last year.
The backup signal-caller added 10 rushes for 29 yards and a touchdown to his overall stat line as well. Reed’s main highlight from the Texas Bowl came on a 20-yard scamper down the right sideline for a score.
Whether it’s Henderson or Reed starting under center for Texas A&M next season, new head coach Mike Elko and the Aggies will be in good hands.
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Shaun on Twitter: @Shaun_Holkko.
