Report: Tennessee willing to double Mike Gundy's salary

Trying to get its coaching search back on track, Tennessee has reportedly set its sights on Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy.

A key element in Tennessee’s sales pitch is a backing up of the Brinks truck to double Gundy’s current salary, and pay him $8.4 million, according to SBNation and the Stillwater News Press.

In January, Gundy and OSU agreed to a five-year contract extension with the school that pays him $4.2 million this year followed by a $125,000 raise each year afterward, according to USATODAY.

ESPN’s Chris Low reported that Tennessee officials and Gundy have discussed the job opening, but it would be difficult to pull Gundy away from his alma mater. The Vols also talked with Gundy when the job was open in 2013, Low reported.

Gundy and the Cowboys are 9-3 this season, and he’s led the program for 13 years to a 113-53 record.

The Cowboys are ranked No. 19 in the current College Football Playoff rankings, and last year finished No. 11, including an Alamo Bowl win over Colorado.

Tennessee is willing to double Mike Gundy’s salary ($4.2M), according to multiple reports.

$8.4M would make Gundy the third-highest paid coach in CFB.

— CRFF (@CowboysRFF) November 28, 2017

Robert Allen says on @TriplePlayRadio that Tenn is willing to double Gundy's salary ($4.2 mil)

— Kieran Steckley (@Kieran_Steckley) November 28, 2017

Tennessee reps have had phone conversations with Mike Gundy about the Vols' head coaching job. Vols also talked to Gundy in 2013. Oklahoma State is home for Gundy. Getting him away from his alma mater would be hard.

— Chris Low (@ClowESPN) November 28, 2017