SMQ: Are alma maters really the best destinations for head coaches?

Mike Gundy and the Oklahoma State Cowboys

• YEARS AT OKLAHOMA STATE AS PLAYER: 1986-1989
• YEARS AT OKLAHOMA STATE AS COACH: 2005-present

Mike Gundy was the quarterback of Oklahoma State at the same time that Barry Sanders was putting together his record-breaking and Heisman-winning career in Stillwater. Among Power Five head coaches leading an alma mater, Gundy has the longest tenure of the bunch after starting with the Cowboys a year before Pat Fitzgerald took the Northwestern role.

All but five of Gundy’s quarter-century in the coaching ranks were at Oklahoma State. He started as a wide receivers coach in 1990, moved on to coach quarterbacks for five years, and then left Stillwater. He spent a few years at Baylor and Maryland before Les Miles invited Gundy to return to his coaching staff.

Gundy jumped at the opportunity, setting himself up as the offensive coordinator. When Miles jumped to LSU, Gundy stayed behind at his alma mater and landed the head coaching gig. He originally became infamous for berating a journalist, but that merely proved that Gundy is an intensely loyal leader who will stick up for his charges.

Gundy has been rewarded with five 10-win seasons and 12 straight bowl appearances. Under the mullet man at his alma mater, Oklahoma State has won the Big 12 title once back in 2011 after taking a share of the title a year before.