The Oklahoma State Cowboys are set to fire Mike Gundy sometime between now and December. As for potential replacements, it's anyone's guess right now, since the Pokes will owe Gundy $15 million to let him go.
A big-money replacement is probably out of the realm of possibility. But a first-year coach with experience as a coordinator is a different story.
Mike Farrell Sports' Mike Huesmann believes OK State is a "logical landing spot" for former Ohio State Buckeyes defensive coordinator Jim Knowles.
"I have no idea if Knowles wants to be an FBS head coach, but if he does the Cowboys would be a logical spot. He landed on the national map here when he was defensive coordinator under Gundy from 2018-2021. He is regarded as one of the best, and sometimes the best, defensive minds in the country," Huesman wrote.
"He was at Ohio State for the previous three seasons, helping them win the national title. This year he swapped Big Ten schools and is with James Franklin where No. 2 Penn State (3-0) looks to be a College Football Playoff team and have a shot at a title. If he has any inclination to the the guy in charge, this would be a solid spot for it."
Given the state of Oklahoma State University's athletic department, there's probably not enough money to convince Knowles to leave a situation like the Penn State Nittany Lions. Chip Kelly jumped from a Big Ten school to Ohio State last year, after all.
Hell, if Matt Patricia continues his dominant stretch with the Buckeyes' defense, the NFL may come calling back for him. Maybe a reunion with Ohio State for Knowles can be considered, even if the breakup was not a totally amicable one.
Don't expect Knowles at OSU or OK State in 2026, though.
For all we know, he may be getting a raise in State College after bringing another program to championship glory.