Mike Gundy a Possible Candidate at Auburn, per Report

Auburn cut ties with long-time head football coach Gus Malzahn on Sunday, and already, Oklahoma State’s head man is being brought up as a possible candidate to succeed him.

Shortly after the news broke Sunday afternoon, Yahoo Sports insider Pete Thamel threw out a lengthy list of names to watch in what should be a fascinating coaching search, and among them was none other than Mike Gundy. A handful of other high-profile coaches like Louisville’s Scott Satterfield and Oregon’s Mario Cristobal were also included.

This isn’t the first time Gundy has been mentioned in coaching rumors since he took over Oklahoma State in 2005. Heck, it’s not even the first time he’s been rumored as a candidate at Auburn; in 2012 he was at least considered to be a name to watch before the program opted to hire Malzahn.

Whether or not this is to be taken seriously is certainly up for discussion. He has flirted with other programs in recent years, most notably with Tennessee, but in every instance he’s opted to return (and gotten a raise for doing so in return).

But this instance does have a feeling that, perhaps, it could end differently. Personally, I wouldn’t bet on Gundy leaving OSU, but with a turbulent season capping what has been a turbulent year for him, it doesn’t seem totally farfetched that he’d listen and consider other pitches.

Gundy had a controversy-laden summer in Stillwater, and Oklahoma State at the very least opened the door for it to become reality by shortening his contract, reducing his annual salary and lowering his buyout.

Auburn is indeed an appealing job because of the resources, recruiting grounds and historical success — the fact that Malzahn was paid as a top-10 coach should be plenty enticing — but it does have some drawbacks. At OSU he’s responsible for the second-most successful football program in his own state, and that would again be the case with the Tigers in a state run by Nick Saban and Alabama.

Again, skeptical it happens, but OSU’s disappointing 7-3 regular season coupled with a rough year for him on the whole as the head man makes the ears perk up a bit more than usual when rumors start flying.