Mike Gundy mum on Tennessee job
BY JIMMIE TRAMEL World Sports Writer
Monday, December 03, 2012
12/03/12 at 10:35 AM
Citing multiple sources, a Rivals (Volquest.com) site devoted to Tennessee athletics reported that Oklahoma State football coach Mike Gundy was scheduled to be interviewed Sunday for the Volunteers' head coaching position.
Gundy participated in a media conference call Sunday night to talk about OSU's pending date with Purdue in the Heart of Dallas Bowl. And, of course, reporters on the call asked Gundy questions about his name being linked to coaching vacancies elsewhere.
"For one thing I would never comment on another job," Gundy said. "My only concern now is Oklahoma State."
Asked specifically about the Tennessee report and whether he wanted to confirm it, Gundy said, "I would never - just for everybody involved - talk about any other jobs or (provide) confirmation of anything that has gone on."
When Gundy was subsequently asked if he wanted to deny any reports about other jobs, he said, "I would just prefer not to talk about anything other than Oklahoma State and the bowl game."
Earlier Sunday, after the Tennessee report had become widespread, OSU radio sideline reporter Robert Allen tweeted this: "I believe rumors are true. Gundy interviewing, but looking for program control most in his position have and he should. OSU needs to do it."
Allen later clarified to the Tulsa World that he was only giving his opinion and he wasn't speaking for anyone.
A source indicated that Gundy would like more control over non-conference scheduling (he prefers to avoid heavyweight competition) and other matters regarding his program. A source also suggested the coach could be in discussions with Tennessee and Arkansas.
Gundy was asked during the season about reports that connected him to the Arkansas position and he declined comment. Sunday was a day off for OSU players, who completed a 7-5 regular season with a 41-34 loss at Baylor. When Gundy was asked how he spent Sunday, he said, "I have been around the house."
After the 2011 season, agent Jimmy Sexton negotiated Gundy an eight-year contract extension worth $25.5 million, with an additional $4.2 million in a retirement package.
Jimmie Tramel 918-581-8389
jimmie.tramel@tulsaworld.com
Associated Images:
Mike Gundy earlier this season. MATT BARNARD/Tulsa World
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