Norman, OK – In a move echoing a celebrated past and anticipating a challenging future, the University of Oklahoma has announced the return of legendary football coach Bob Stoops as a Senior Advisor to the Sooners football program. The announcement, made earlier today, sees the iconic figure who led Oklahoma to a national championship in 2000 stepping back into an official capacity to lend his unparalleled experience and insight as the team prepares for its highly anticipated transition to the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
Stoops, who masterfully helmed the Oklahoma program from 1999 to 2016, amassing a remarkable 191 wins and guiding the team to ten Big 12 Championships and four national championship appearances, will work closely with current Head Coach Brent Venables and the coaching staff. His role will encompass providing strategic counsel, assisting in recruiting endeavors, and offering invaluable perspective on program building and navigating the intense competition of elite college football.
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Coach Stoops back to Norman in this important role,” said University President Joseph Harroz Jr. in a press conference. “His legacy at Oklahoma is indelible. He built this program into a national powerhouse, and his understanding of what it takes to succeed at the highest level will be an immeasurable asset as we embark on our journey in the SEC.”
For Coach Venables, the addition of Stoops to his staff represents a significant vote of confidence and a powerful resource as the Sooners gear up for the rigors of the SEC. While Venables, who served as Stoops’ defensive coordinator during Oklahoma’s most dominant era, has laid a strong foundation, the wisdom of a coach who has not only competed in but thrived at the pinnacle of college football will provide invaluable guidance.
“Having Coach Stoops’ experience and perspective in our corner is a game-changer for this program,” Venables stated. “He is a proven winner, a tremendous leader, and he understands the DNA of Oklahoma Football better than anyone. I am incredibly excited to collaborate with him and leverage his insights as we prepare to compete and succeed in the Southeastern Conference.”
Stoops, who has remained a beloved figure in Norman and a keen observer of the college football landscape since his retirement, expressed his deep connection to the university and his eagerness to contribute to its future success. “Oklahoma is and always will be a special place for me and my family,” Stoops said in a statement released by the university. “I have tremendous respect for Coach Venables and the work he and his staff are doing. I am eager to support them in any way I can as they navigate this exciting transition to the SEC. The future is bright for the Sooners.”
The timing of Stoops’ return is particularly strategic as the Sooners are also set to officially join the SEC in the summer of 2025. The move to the conference widely regarded as the most competitive in college football presents a significant step up in competition and necessitates a well-defined strategy for sustained success. Stoops’ deep understanding of the nuances of college football and his extensive network within the coaching and recruiting world are expected to be crucial in navigating this new landscape.
While Stoops’ role is advisory, his presence alone is anticipated to have a significant positive impact on the team’s morale, recruiting efforts, and the overall culture of the program. His legendary status resonates deeply with current players, alumni, and potential recruits, underscoring the program’s rich history and ambitious future.
The return of Bob Stoops marks a pivotal moment for the Oklahoma Sooners, bridging the program’s glorious past with its challenging yet promising future in the SEC. As the team prepares for this new chapter, the wisdom and experience of a national championship-winning coach will undoubtedly be an invaluable asset in their pursuit of continued excellence on the national stage. Sooner Nation will be watching with eager anticipation as this iconic figure helps guide the program into its next era of com
petition.
