Oklahoma State's Mike Gundy Wins Bear Bryant 2012 Coach of the Year Award

After going 12-1 and winning the Big 12 Championship for the first time ever, Oklahoma State Cowboys' head coach Mike Gundy has been named the 2012 recipient of the Paul "Bear" Bryant Coach of the Year Award, according to NBC Sports.

Gundy, who first made national headlines with his "I'm a man, I'm 40" outburst (via YouTube), has done a tremendous job with the Cowboys, taking Oklahoma State to new heights.

He already won the Eddie Robinson Coaching Award, and he told NBC Sports that he's happy that the Cowboys continue to get better. 

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It’s been an unbelievable season, Gundy said. I don’t know that Oklahoma State’s ever been perceived the way we are now from coast to coast all through the country. I’m so proud of our team and the administration and coaches for getting to this level and continuing to work hard.

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Winning awards always gives great satisfaction to those who have given it their all to get where they are today, but Gundy has to be more pleased with the fact he received a long-term contract extension with his alma mater.

Gundy has to feel at ease staying on with the Cowboys until 2019. That feeling won't last too long, though, as Oklahoma State will have a rough time being elite in 2012. 

With Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon leaving, the Cowboys won't be as successful next season. Then again, Gundy is a great coach, so he should have Oklahoma State ready to defend their Big 12 title. 

Of course, it's not going to be easy, and 2012 will definitely be a true test of how good a coach Gundy really is. 

Weeden and Blackmon were big reasons he was able to win this prestigious award, but without them next season, Gundy and the Cowboys could be in for a rude awakening. 

Running back Joseph Randle will be heavily relied upon next year, but this summer, Gundy has to do a stellar job of getting his inexperienced players prepared for a vigorous 2012 season. 

Congratulations to Gundy for winning the Bear Bryant Coach of the Year Award, but it will be much more impressive if he can win it again 2012 with key position players most of the nation has not yet heard about.