Issues Gundy Addressed in His First Bowl Media Availability Including Strange Email

STILLWATER – Mike Gundy came in looking quite different than he does on the normal Monday news conferences during the regular season. When he took the stage in the team meeting room in front of about a dozen media members, he was in workout gear, and it was obvious he had put in some work as this pullover top was lined with sweat. Gundy was going to head to practice as soon as he was through answering the media’s questions.

The media started with the topic you would expect: Who is next at defensive coordinator?

Gundy said he wasn’t going to hire anybody until after the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl against Notre Dame. Gundy said again he doesn’t like poaching coaches off other school’s staffs until after the season. He wasn’t going to do it now. In fact, he told the media that he met with the players knowing they all liked Jim Knowles and he told them they simply got outbid and when he looked at defensive end Brock Martin, who had advocated for giving Knowles a blank check, Gundy said that Martin should give his wife a blank check. Gundy said Oklahoma State made Knowles the best offer they have ever made to a coordinator or assistant and they got outbid. Then he told the players, “Let’s go practice.”

As for the coaching staff, Gundy explained that process.

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Joe Bob Clements has been here nine seasons.

“I gathered everybody up and there were like 12 of them in there with the young people, GA coaches, and went over everything we needed to get to game day to where it would be the exact same it was if Jim (Knowles) were here or even better,” Gundy explained. “We laid everything out and everybody understood what part of the game plan they were responsible for. I’ve been meeting with them every day to see how it is going. Quite honestly, I don’t expect it to skip a beat.”

I’ve thought that there is a good chance that defensive line coach Joe Bob Clements, who has been here the longest along with corners coach Tim Duffie, would likely be the caller of the defense on game day, but Gundy said that decision is TBA.

Oklahoma State Athletics

Tim Duffie has been here nine seasons as well.

“I’ll make that decision the day we get there (Arizona),” the head coach said. “I’m watching everything they do in practice, what they do in meetings, and who can give me the information I’m looking for on Notre Dame’s offense. I’m gathering all that and I’ll make that decision when we get out there.”

Asked by another media member what he is looking for when he does decide whether to promote from within or look outside for the next defensive coordinator what he will look for, Gundy answered.

“I’m looking for smart, hard-working, and loyal.”

Gundy also said he will look for a former coach or player in program if he can find a fit.

The next topic was the Twitter message that was out on Sunday of an email sent to Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin from apparently former Cowboys defensive end Devin Bonik.

“First, I never answer to Twitter. Second, I am not aware of an email. Third, I don’t have an agent,” stated Gundy.

Gundy said he did know Bonik, who has worked as an agent for players and coaches in the NFL but has not represented a college coach that we could find. I know Bonik too. He was a good player, but I have never seen him and Gundy together and I don’t believe Gundy has ever spoke of using Bonik’s services.

“He used to be here as a player. He’s older than me. He is in our circle and a lot of people know him,” added Gundy. “No, and I’m not a big fan of answering to Twitter.”

“First, I never answer to Twitter. Second, I am not aware of an email. Third, I don’t have an agent.”

I asked Gundy what he thought of the opponent that his team is practicing for in Notre Dame. He bragged about every position group and noted they were getting a break with the two opt outs from the Irish in running back Kyrie Williams and safety Kyle Hamilton.

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Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Jack Coan (17) throws a pass during the third quarter against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium

“They look like they have a lot of NFL players, Gundy said with a serious tone. “They are a good team, and they deserve to be ranked fifth in the country. Their quarterback has been there forever.”

Gundy added that the only Cowboy in the transfer portal or possibly going in was Nebraska claimed offensive lineman Hunter Anthony.

“If we do, it will be a third- or fourth-year player that isn’t starting and wants a chance to start,” Gundy said.

He also said that as far as he knows there are no opt outs for the bowl game on the Oklahoma State side.

“Everybody is practicing,” Gundy added. He then invited the media to come watch practice but don’t talk about players that are on the bikes rehabbing to get back on the field.