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Former Oklahoma State HC Mike Gundy to be a big part of CFP Natty coverage

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Jan 15, 2026 11:07 PM ET

We know that former Oklahoma State Cowboys head coach Mike Gundy has what it takes to create a viral moment.

Before "going viral" was even a thing, Gundy became internet famous for his now infamous "I'm 40, I'm a man," rant.

After 20 seasons at Oklahoma State, Gundy was fired by the Cowboys in late September of this past season after starting 1-2. It was a loss to Tulsa that did him in, but his Cowboys had lost 11 of their last 12 games dating back to the 2024 season.

It was time to put Gundy out to pasture, but he will be making a mini comeback of sorts for the College Football Playoff championship game.

ESPN is bringing back its wildly popular "Coaches Film Room" broadcast as an alternative way to watch the game on ESPNU, and Gundy is going to be part of the team of coaches breaking down the game in real time.

In the past, active coaches have been a part of that broadcast, but this time around, ESPN is going with a handful of big names who are currently not coaching.

Gundy may be the headliner, but the show will also feature Steve Addazio, Dave Clawson and Gene Chizik.

ESPN says Coaches Film Room is back for the national title game this year. No active head coaches, though.

In the room: Mike Gundy, Steve Addazio, Dave Clawson, Gene Chizik and rules analyst Jerry McGinn.
— David Ubben (@davidubben) January 15, 2026

Mike Gundy will be a great addition to ESPN's College Football Playoff title game coverage

This was always a popular feature for hardcore college football fans, and ESPN VP of Sports Production Bryan Jaroch thinks that's not going to change despite the fact that the "Coaches Film Room" has not been a thing for four years.

In fact, the recent explosion in popularity in alternative broadcasts, such as the "ManningCast" featuring Eli Manning and Peyton Manning for "Monday Night Football" would suggest that this feature could be bigger than ever for the title game.

"It’s another way for fans to take in the national championship game. I personally love that show," Jaroch said recently on the "Sports Business Journal’s" sports media podcast (h/t AwfulAnnouncing). "I love listening to coaches break down film, see what they see, transit their projecting forward. As producer back in the day, I used to love sitting down with my analyst and watching game film and breaking down what we think is going to happen and then see it unfold on air. That’s exactly what that show is,” Jaroch added.

People will absolutely tune in to see what Gundy has to say about this championship game between the Miami Hurricanes and the Indiana Hoosiers.

10 years ago today, Mike Gundy delivered the greatest press conference rant in college football history: https://t.co/gLdIWO9PJb pic.twitter.com/45pt1MU7fT
— SI College Football (@si_ncaafb) September 22, 2017