Nick Saban Attributes Mike Gundy's Oklahoma State Firing to Pay-for-Play Challenges Amid 2024 Decline

Nick Saban, appearing on ESPN's College GameDay, reflected on the firing of Mike Gundy as Oklahoma State's head coach, attributing it largely to difficulties embracing the new era of NCAA compensation through NIL (Name, Image, Likeness). Saban noted that older coaches, including himself, have struggled with adapting to the concept of paying players, which he believes ultimately contributed to Gundy's departure after a long and successful tenure. Gundy's recent struggles were evident with a significant decline in team performance, including a 3-9 season in 2024 and a poor start to the 2025 season, exacerbated by Oklahoma State's lag in recruiting top talent and adapting to NIL-related changes. Despite Gundy's 170-90 record and multiple bowl appearances, the inability to keep pace with evolving college football culture made the decision to move on unavoidable. Saban connected these challenges to his own decision to retire, highlighting coaching as teaching and inspiring learning, with NIL creating a shift that some veteran coaches find difficult. This case exemplifies the broader transformation and adaptation challenges facing college football programs and coaches in the modern era.