Cale Gundy greets his brother, head coach Mike Gundy of the Oklahoma State Cowboys, before their game at Boone Pickens Stadium on November 27, 2021 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)Photo: Getty Images
Longtime O-U assistant football coach Cale Gundy is leaving the program. Gundy announced his resignation late last night, stating that he said a word in a film session that "should never be uttered." According to Gundy, he was reading what was on a distracted player's iPad out loud when he said the word. Gundy served on the Sooners' coaching staff for more than twenty years, most recently as the wide receivers coach.
Gundy issued the following statement:
“I moved to Norman fresh out of high school in 1990. It feels like I never left. I have devoted nearly all my adult life to Oklahoma football. My children graduated from OU; so did my wife. For almost three decades, this university has been my home, these players have been my family. Today, with great anguish, I announce my resignation. I apologize to those who are disappointed by this news.
I owe it to Sooner Nation to be transparent about what led to this decision: Last week, during a film session, I instructed my players to take notes. I noticed a player was distracted and picked up his iPad and read aloud the words that were written on his screen. The words displayed had nothing to do with football. One particular word that I should never- under any circumstance- have uttered was displayed on that screen. In the moment, I did not even realize what I was reading and, as soon as I did, I was horrified.
I want to be very clear: the words I read aloud from that screen were not my words. What I said was not malicious; it wasn’t even intentional. Still I am mature enough to know that the word I said was shameful and hurtful, no matter my intentions. The unfortunate reality is that someone in my position can cause harm without ever meaning to do so. In that circumstance, a man of character accepts accountability. I take responsibility for my mistake. I apologize.
While considering this decision, I have been overwhelmed by the love and support of those who know me, my character, and my love for this program. I truly appreciate the support my players and coaches have shown. That support means more to me than I can express; it proves what I’ve always known about #OUDNA – we are a family, so thank you.
Nevertheless, I recognize this is a critical moment for Oklahoma football. This team- its coaches, players, administration, and fans- do not deserve to be distracted by off-the-field matters while working to continue the tradition of excellence that makes me so proud to be a Sooner. I won’t do the program I love the disservice of distracting from this mission. Effective immediately, I am stepping down.
Naturally, I leave these sidelines heavy hearted. Coaching this football team truly has been my life’s passion. But I leave confident that the team will continue to prosper and I leave with tremendous love for the University of Oklahoma and its athletics department. Sooner born, Sooner bred, and so on… Boomer!”