Since 2005, Bedlam has featured the same coaching bout: Bob Stoops in the crimson corner and Mike Gundy in the orange one.
Under Gundy’s regime, Oklahoma State has only managed one victory against the Sooners, a 44-10 thrashing en route to OSU’s Fiesta Bowl winning season in 2011, but the game has been close in recent years — less than ten points have decided Bedlam in three out of the last four seasons.
Stoops is always quick to point out coaching matchups aren’t a big deal and it’s what’s on the field that matters most. It’s hard to argue against him, but it’s also hard not to point out the significance of this coaching rivalry.
Stoops, in his 16th season, is the second longest tenured coach in college football behind Virginia Tech’s Frank Beamer. In his 10th season in Stillwater, Gundy is tied for the ninth longest tenured coach in the country.
Rivalries don’t often feature the same coaching matchup for such a long period of time. Stoops’ battles with Mack Brown are over and it’s hard to believe he’ll meet Gundy for the 10th time.
If you listen to coaching rumors, 10th, and maybe the last.
Stoops’ name has been linked once again to the Florida vacancy. Nebraska is looking for a new coach and so is Michigan. A few NFL jobs are sure to open and it’s unknown if Stoops will be enticed to experiment at the next level.
Despite the rumors, Stoops has been adamant that Norman is his home. He’s repeatedly said the Oklahoma job is the only one for him.
Gundy’s situation is different. Oklahoma State was once his “New York Yankees” job but now he looks as happy as a Miami Marlins manager. The deep-pocketed T. Boone Pickens seems to be losing faith in Gundy and it’s no secret the coach’s relationship with Athletic Director Mike Holder is less than cordial.
Gundy reportedly had a chance to leave for Tennessee and Arkansas in the last two years. If similar programs take interest in him again, the Midwest City native might test his luck beyond state lines.
Stoops is sure to stay, and although the rumors seem to be ringing louder, Gundy will likely be back in Stillwater.
Saturday could be the final clash between the coaching heavyweights or it could be another round in the longest-standing coaching rivalry.
