Oklahoma State: Was Mike Gundy Only Talking to Tennessee for Contract Leverage?

Mike Gundy's recent flirtations with two SEC schools (Tennessee and Arkansas) could be due to a strained relationship with Oklahoma State athletic director Mike Holder.

Newsok.com reports that this might not even be the first time Gundy has held various job offers over Holder's head to try to help with contract negotiations.

The article in question reports that Gundy "dangled Miami interest at Holder, which was not widely reported. A year ago, same with Texas A&M, which did make the news."

Regardless of whether or not that Miami and A&M news is true, we do know that Gundy had talks with Tennessee and Arkansas.

We also know, as reported by Newsok.com, that a source close to Gundy has said that "Mike has always wanted to be here (Oklahoma State), but I know he's not very happy.”

The reasons for Gundy's current discontent largely stem from his lack of veto power in nonconference scheduling.

Gundy seems to want to schedule cupcakes, while Holder is trying to get teams like Mississippi State (2013 opener) and Florida State (possible 2013 game).

You have to believe that this, as well as a few smaller problems (i.e. recruiting logistics), will be resolved shortly.

After all, these two men love Oklahoma State and its football team.

Plus, for what it's worth, the Cowboys made Gundy one of the highest-paid coaches in the country last year, and he hasn't done anything to make you think they'd offer him less money with an extension.

And Gundy did say, in a Tulsa World article a few days ago, that "he [Holder] and I don't agree on everything, but it's a lot better than what people say."

It's not a sure sign of a mended relationship, but it's a start.