STILLWATER — Two key figures have become the focus of wrath from a subset of Oklahoma State football supporters amid the program’s struggles over the last calendar year.
The displeasure with coach Mike Gundy has been brewing during the tough times the team has hit, but athletic director Chad Weiberg has also become a target of some supporters.
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Though sources have told The Oklahoman that Weiberg’s job does not appear to be in serious jeopardy, he is in a tenuous situation, given the absence of a contract and his recent health concerns.
Let’s take a look at some common questions surrounding Weiberg, Gundy and their contractual situations:
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Would OSU fire Mike Gundy before the end of the season?
Despite a small but vocal group of supporters voicing such a desire, this is unlikely to happen, barring a substantial event more significant than simply losing football games.
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That said, if the team can’t get back on track, OSU leadership could very well begin looking at the next steps for the program in the middle of the year.
Maybe that entails a negotiated buyout of the final three years of his contract and an announcement from Gundy that he will retire at the end of the season. That would allow the program to move on and begin its coaching search, but also salute Gundy for what he’s done to build OSU football into a national brand.
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Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy walks off the field after an NCAA football game between Oklahoma State (OSU) and UT Martin in Stillwater, Okla., on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025.
What is the buyout in Mike Gundy’s contract?
Gundy signed a new contract last December that reduced his annual salary by $1 million and removed the rollover provision of his previous agreement. The new contract runs through Dec. 31, 2028, paying him $6.875 million for the 2025 season, with an annual raise of $125,000 each year.
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If he is terminated without cause on or before Dec. 31, 2027, the buyout he is owed is $15 million. If he is terminated without cause after Dec. 31, 2027, the buyout is $10 million.
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What does Mike Gundy’s contract say about identifying a successor?
As a stipulation added to the new contract negotiated in December, Gundy can have input in developing a succession plan for his replacement, if the athletic director so chooses.
That’s a factor Gundy could value if and when he decides it is time for him to move on.
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As for the specifics of succession planning, the contract leaves wiggle room for how Gundy would be involved, stating his “succession planning responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, Employee’s collaboration with the University in identifying, evaluating and developing a successor for Employee’s position, as well as facilitating a smooth transition to such successor.”
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Oklahoma State athletic director Chad Weiberg is pictured before an NCAA football game between Oklahoma State (OSU) and UT Martin in Stillwater, Okla., on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025.
What is Chad Weiberg’s contract status?
As The Oklahoman initially reported in July, Weiberg has been working without a contract since June 30, when his initial four-year agreement expired. University officials offered no specifics regarding the lapsing of his contract, or any movement to sign a new one.
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“President (Jim) Hess values Chad Weiberg’s leadership and commitment to OSU Athletics, our student-athletes and our coaches,” university communications chief Lance Latham told The Oklahoman at the time.
Complicating matters further, Weiberg discovered a medical concern that resulted in the need for open-heart surgery in August. However, he has since returned to work.
Weiberg’s annual pay of $750,000 is in the lower tier among reported Power Four athletic director salaries, many of which are above the $1 million mark.
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Scott Wright covers Oklahoma State athletics for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Scott? He can be reached at swright@oklahoman.com or on Twitter at @ScottWrightOK. Support Scott’s work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Mike Gundy buyout: Contract details for Oklahoma State football coach