Potential Candidates: Oklahoma State
Oklahoma State is conducting its first coaching search in more than two decades after deciding to part ways with Mike Gundy. Gundy finished his career with a 170-90 record but went just 4-11 over his final 15 games, with two of those wins coming against FCS opponents. The Cowboys will now begin the search to find Gundy’s successor. Which direction will the administration go? Will they choose someone from the Oklahoma State bloodline, or will they bring in an outsider to inject new energy into the program? Let’s look at some possible candidates Oklahoma State may consider.
Zac Robinson (Atlanta Falcons Offensive Coordinator)
Zac Robinson’s name is certain to be brought up over the next few months. Robinson played quarterback at Oklahoma State from 2005 to 2009, throwing for more than 8,000 yards in his career. His NFL career was short-lived, and he moved into coaching shortly after retiring. Robinson has never been a head coach or worked in college coaching, however. He spent five years with the Los Angeles Rams before moving to the Atlanta Falcons for the 2024 season. Could Robinson return to Stillwater to take over the program? Sure. But it seems more likely that the next head coach would look to bring Robinson back in a staff role, giving the locker room someone with strong ties to Oklahoma State.
GJ Kinne (Texas State Head Coach)
If we were placing bets on Oklahoma State’s next head coach, I’d put all my chips on GJ Kinne. Kinne played four seasons at Tulsa before a short NFL stint and has been the head coach at Texas State since 2023, compiling a 19-11 record over two and a half seasons. To put that in perspective: from 2016 to 2022, Everett Withers and Jake Spavital combined for just 20 wins, never winning more than four games in a season. Kinne has yet to win fewer than eight in a year. Oklahoma State must recruit Texas effectively, and Kinne’s experience recruiting the state gives him an immediate advantage. If Texas State wins eight or more again this fall, Kinne will be one of the hottest names on the coaching market.
Jeff Traylor (UTSA Head Coach)
Jeff Traylor’s star has dimmed somewhat since his peak a few years ago. UTSA won 23 games between 2021 and 2022 but only 18 since the start of 2023. The Roadrunners’ move from Conference USA to the American was a step up in competition, and they’re 2-2 so far this season with losses to Texas A&M and Texas State. Depending on how UTSA finishes, Traylor may not draw much interest. But if he reaches nine wins, his name will likely resurface for Power 4 opportunities. He has proven he can build a program—would Oklahoma State be the right fit for him to start another rebuild?
Ben Arbuckle (Oklahoma Offensive Coordinator)
What if Oklahoma State opts for a rising assistant? Ben Arbuckle is one of the brightest young offensive minds in the country. Arbuckle is in his first season at Oklahoma after spending the previous two years at Washington State, where he helped quarterbacks Cam Ward and John Mateer become among the most exciting players in college football. The drawback? Arbuckle just turned 30 and has only been a primary offensive coordinator since 2023. He clearly has a bright future, but is he ready to take over a program? If the administration thinks so, they might be willing to accept early growing pains—just as Notre Dame did with Marcus Freeman, a gamble that has paid off.
Collin Klein (Texas A&M Offensive Coordinator)
The former Kansas State quarterback has been steadily building his reputation in coaching circles. Klein spent seven years at Kansas State as quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator before moving to Texas A&M in 2024. This season, the Aggies rank in the top 20 nationally in scoring, total offense, and passing offense. Under Gundy, Oklahoma State became known for its explosive passing game with stars like Dez Bryant, Justin Blackmon, Tylan Wallace, and James Washington. Could Klein’s up-tempo offense help revive those glory years?
Ryan Silverfield (Memphis Head Coach)
Ryan Silverfield will be linked to several jobs, with Virginia Tech likely the loudest. Still, Oklahoma State could take a look. Silverfield owns a 46-21 record at Memphis, including a 25-5 mark in his last 30 games. He’s won at least 10 games in each of the past two seasons and has the Tigers off to a 4-0 start this year, including a win over Arkansas. Memphis is a legitimate College Football Playoff contender with a dynamic offense and a defense that comes up with timely stops. Silverfield has proven he can recruit, develop, and retain talent—skills that will be critical at Oklahoma State.
Jon Sumrall (Tulane Head Coach)
All Jon Sumrall does is win. Between Troy and Tulane, he owns a 35-10 career record. At Troy, he went 23-4 in two seasons before taking over at Tulane, where he went 9-5 last year and nearly earned a College Football Playoff berth. The Green Wave are off to another strong start this season, with wins over Duke and Northwestern before a close loss to Ole Miss. Tulane looks like a contender again in the American, potentially with a playoff shot late in the year. Sumrall left Troy after just two seasons—could he leave Tulane after two if Oklahoma State comes calling?
