Oklahoma State football coach Mike Gundy says he interviewed for NFL job 11 years ago
STILLWATER — For a time, longtime Oklahoma State football coach Mike Gundy considered a jump to the NFL.
And it nearly happened.
In a new revelation he revealed Monday in his weekly news conference, Gundy unveiled a mutual interest between himself and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers nearly 11 years ago.
Gundy said he interviewed three times to be the Bucs’ head coach during the process shortly after the Cowboys’ 2012 Fiesta Bowl win over Stanford. Ultimately, Rutgers coach Greg Schiano was hired.
“I didn’t take the job,” Gundy said.
Gundy was asked about his NFL interest just hours after former Baylor coach Matt Rhule was fired by the Carolina Panthers.
Gundy said he was unaware of Rhule’s job status.
“There’s so much parity in the NFL,” Gundy said.
Gundy, who is in his 18th season leading OSU, is currently under a contract with the Cowboys that pays him $7.5 million this season as part of a perpetual five-year rollover contract. He’s the highest-paid coach in the Big 12.
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TCU’s Max Duggan presents unique challenge
OSU’s defense will face its toughest test yet from an opposing quarterback this season.
TCU veteran Max Duggan is one of the most efficient passers in the country and his dynamic speed makes him even tougher.
“We have maybe one or two guys on the field on defense that can catch him,” Gundy said. “I think he’s that fast. He’s playing good. We’ll have to really have a good game plan.”
Duggan began the season as TCU’s backup quarterback. But an injury to OU transfer Chandler Morris in the season opener at Colorado elevated Duggan back to starter.
TCU has taken off since.
Gundy is familiar with Duggan, not just because of past games. Duggan attended an OSU camp in high school.
“We liked him,” Gundy said. “He’s a good player. His athleticism has been there from the start. I think he’s really developed as a thrower now, in my opinion. That’s where his game has gone to another level.”
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OSU won’t appeal Kendal Daniels’ suspension
Gundy said there will be no appeal to overturn the targeting ejection and suspension for safety Kendal Daniels.
The redshirt freshman from Beggs was ejected in the fourth quarter Saturday against Texas Tech for a targeting hit on quarterback Behren Morton in the end zone.
Daniels must sit out the first half Saturday at TCU.
“I called (Big 12 coordinator of officials) Greg (Burks) this morning and offered him several things,” Gundy said. “He said, ‘Coach, that one’s not getting overturned.'
“What he did was targeting. He hit him with the crown of his helmet.”
That puts veteran Sean Michael Flanagan into a more prominent role. Flanagan, who starts, has split time with Daniels.
And even though Flanagan is not 100% healthy, he’s impressed.
“He’s been good,” Gundy said. “There’s times he needs to do a couple things better, which we talked about with him yesterday. He’s one of those guys that’s going to get better every game.”
Carlson:Oklahoma State remains unbeaten, but it took a lot of grit to beat Texas Tech
Dan Hammerschmidt moved to press box
Gundy said a change was made with the gameday setup of the defensive coaching staff Saturday.
Safeties coach Dan Hammerschmidt moved from the sideline to the press box, an idea from new coordinator Derek Mason.
It got more experience in the box.
“A lot of times people don’t understand the importance of gameday communication,” Gundy said. “You don’t have much time. He’s very, very experienced and moving him up there with Derek helped him a little.
“When I sat up there and did it, I wanted to have my line coach up there with me. My natural instincts aren’t to watch what goes on up there. I’m watching other stuff.
“So, Hammer gave him some experience up there and I think it worked out good.”
More:How Oklahoma State 'pressured and confused' Texas Tech's Behren Morton to rally for win
Mid-afternoon homecoming on deck
OSU’s homecoming matchup with Texas on Oct. 22 is another mid-afternoon kickoff.
The Cowboys and Longhorns will kick off at 2:30 p.m. on ABC, the Big 12 announced Monday.
“It gives fans a chance to tailgate and come here and enjoy themselves,” Gundy said. “You get to watch the game and not go home real late. Everybody gets to get home before 10 and things like that.
“It’s the ideal time for college football. 2:30 is my choice. You got good coverage on the East Coast, good coverage on the West Coast.”
Including Saturday’s game at TCU, this will be the fourth straight week OSU’s game has started at 2:30 p.m.
More:Oklahoma State stays undefeated with win over Texas Tech. See key stats from the game
Extra points
➤ Gundy expects center Preston Wilson, cornerback Korie Black and receiver Braydon Johnson to all play Saturday. All three left last weekend’s game with injuries.
➤ Kicker Tanner Brown was named the Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week after going 4 for 4 kicking field goals in the win over Texas Tech, tying his career high.
OSU at TCU
KICKOFF: 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas. (ABC)
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma State football coach Mike Gundy interviewed for Tampa Bay job
