Mike Gundy-to-Arkansas rumor frenzy eats itself

Update: The denials are beating back the initial reports now, with authoritative names weighing in, including a report that conflicts with another report from the same outlet. At this point, here's all you really need to know:

So let me get this straight: The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette is reporting that Mike Gundy both is and is not Arkansas' next coach?

— David Morrison (@DavidCMorrison) December 4, 2012

Outlets all across Arkansas are reporting Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy is close to becoming Bobby Petrino's full-time replacement -- even John Daly's calling for Gundy.

This would be ... a surprise. Gundy is an OSU alum and nearly-lifelong Oklahoman, who played quarterback alongside Barry Sanders and, other than a five-year run in the late-90's, has coached in Stillwater for 22 years.

Multiple sources now saying Mike Gundy will be the next head coach at Arkansas...presser likely to be Wednesday.

— Trey Biddy (@TreyBiddy) December 4, 2012

Our people are saying that unless this falls through, Arkansas has found its man in Mike Gundy

— Thomas Murphy (@TomMurphyADG) December 4, 2012

Or is it white smoke that signals a new pope? Seems Mike Gundy may have said yes to Jeff Long and Arkansas. The engagement in ON!

— Jim Harris(@jimharris360) December 4, 2012

However, there have been numerous reports over the past year of growing discontentment between Gundy and his bosses at Oklahoma State.

Second however! Those could be squashed in an instant if T. Boone Pickens, one of the richest sports boosters ever, decides he wants Gundy more than anybody else does.

Gundy has put together seven straight winning seasons in Stillwater, won 10 games twice, won a Big 12 title, won a BCS bowl and took this year's rebuilding team to a third-place finish in the Big 12.

If he were to take over at Arkansas, he'd be able to instantly recruit Texas, thanks to his decades of Big 12 experience. We've said before that recruiting Texas has to be among the top priorities for Arkansas' next coach.

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