Dede Westbrook champions Cale Gundy's return to the Oklahoma Sooners' Football coaching staff, advocating for the legendary figure to lead the running backs
The University of Oklahoma finds itself at a crossroads following the departure of running backs coach DeMarco Murray to the Kansas City Chiefs. As the Sooners prepare for the 2026 season, speculation is rife about who will fill the void left by the former NFL star. One name that has resurfaced with surprising vigor is Cale Gundy, a legendary figure in OU history whose potential return is being championed by none other than former Sooners wide receiver Dede Westbrook.
Westbrook, a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2016 and a key player in Oklahoma's offensive explosions during that era, took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice his support. “Mannn, we need to hire Coach Gundy back as the RB coach!!! What yall say??? @calegundy. Let’s make it happen! #Boomer,” he wrote, igniting a wave of nostalgia and debate among fans.
This isn't just casual fanfare; Westbrook's endorsement carries weight, rooted in personal gratitude. Reflecting on his time at OU, he once said, “Thank you for believing in me. I don’t care what anyone has to say; Coach Gundy will always have my respect as a man and a coach. From the very first day he got in contact with me when I played JUCO, he went out of his way to show me he believed in me.”
Gundy, now 53, has been absent from the coaching sidelines since his resignation from Oklahoma in 2022. In the interim, he's become a familiar voice as a regular contributor to the Sports Animal radio network, offering insights into the game he loves.
His absence from coaching was further complicated by family ties. When his brother, Mike Gundy, was recently fired from his long-held position as head coach at Oklahoma State University, Cale expressed intentions to join Mike in his next venture. "Mike's going to get back into coaching, and I plan to join him," he stated at the time.
From a cultural and historical perspective, bringing Gundy back makes undeniable sense. A native of Midwest City, Oklahoma, Gundy embodies the Sooner spirit. He starred as OU's quarterback from 1990 to 1993, leading the team with poise and grit. His coaching journey began immediately after, as a graduate assistant in 1994. After a brief four-year stint at UAB, he returned to Oklahoma in 1999 and never looked back—until circumstances forced his hand.
Gundy's tenure at OU was marked by versatility and success. He coached running backs and wide receivers until the 2022 season, resigning amid the transition from Lincoln Riley to Brent Venables. Riley, upon departing for USC, extended an invitation for Gundy to join him in Los Angeles, but the coach declined, citing deep family roots in Oklahoma and his 22 seasons of loyalty to the program.
Ideally, Gundy would have remained under Venables, but a controversial incident derailed those plans. During a team meeting, Gundy read aloud an inappropriate and offensive text from a player's phone, leading to his resignation.
In his statement, Gundy clarified, “The unfortunate reality is that someone in my position can cause harm without ever meaning to do so. 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.”
At the time, he was the longest-tenured coach in the Big 12, and Venables expressed profound sadness, noting that Gundy had “dedicated more than half his life to Oklahoma Football.”
Despite the controversy, Gundy's coaching legacy shines brightly. Promoted to co-offensive coordinator in 2017, he orchestrated one of the most dominant offenses in college football history. The Sooners led the FBS in total offense with 579.6 yards per game and ranked second in yards per play. Under his guidance, quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Caleb Williams—all Heisman winners—thrived, as did Jalen Hurts, whose running prowess was elevated to new heights.
Players have been vocal in their support. Kyler Murray, now a star in the NFL, shared, “Love for Coach Gundy, he’s provided so much knowledge to me over the years, and I will always support and love him as well as his entire family. I wouldn’t be the man I am today without his love/guidance he’s shown me and my family, as well as countless other student athletes over the past 25-plus years.”
As Oklahoma navigates this coaching search, Gundy's name evokes both excitement and caution. His deep ties to the program could restore a sense of continuity and tradition.
However, the 2022 incident lingers, raising questions about public perception and team dynamics. As a beloved alum who transitioned from junior college to NFL success under Gundy's tutelage, Westbrook's call to action could resonate with the Boomer faithful.
Whether Gundy returns remains to be seen, but if he does, it could mark a poetic full-circle moment for a man who's given his life to Oklahoma football.
In a sport where loyalty is rare, Gundy's story is one of resilience, family, and unwavering passion for the game.