DEVELOPING: Bob Stoops Retiring At Oklahoma (UPDATED w/Statements From OU)
((HT: Newsok.com/Tramel))
After 18 season in Norman, it appears that Bob Stoops is hanging up his whistle and is supposed to announce his retirement to the team Wednesday afternoon on campus.
The Oklahoman's Berry Tramel caught up with a source that said that Offensive Coordinator Lincoln Riley will take over as the interim head coach.
From the article:
“Great young coach, the program’s in great shape,” the source said. “Good recruiting class. Got a great young coach that anybody would want to have, ready to go. He’s as good a coach as there in America, at this stage in his career.
“And Bob got to do it in his way. Doesn’t get any better than that.”
He retires with a National Championship, three other title gamer appearances, and either 9 or 10 conference championships- depending on if you count outright or shared...
Here's early returns from Newsok.com
The last few seasons have been marred by off-the-field incidents involving Sooner football players who have been thought of as discipline issues. The actions of WR Dede Westbrook and RB Joe Mixon gave those outside the program pause as to how the student-athletes were handled on campus- that the only time their indiscretions were discussed were long after the fact and finally exposed by local media.
There are no details as to why Stoops is retiring at present and no word on any kind of official press conference bidding Stoops an on-field good-bye or a welcome to Riley to being head coach.
As a matter of fact, the last two Tweets sent out bu OU Football and Stoops involved OU softball and this...
More when we know more...
1620 UPDATE: We know more...
The University released a statement with reaction from Stoops, Riley, and President David Boren...
Stoops, in part:
“The coaching life is like a relay race and I'm thankful for my turn and am confident as I pass the baton. Carol and I intend on staying in Norman — it is our home. I will be available to Coach Riley and the athletic department in any manner. Thank you all for a lifetime of memories we shared together of 10 conference championships, the 2000 national championship, strong relationships with players and coaches, and the great Oklahoma football fans. Boomer!”
Riley, in part:
"Coaching at Oklahoma is a dream come true for me and my family. I am extremely grateful to President Boren, Joe Castiglione, Chairman Bennett and the OU Board of Regents for believing in me and affording me this opportunity. I look forward to continuing the tradition of excellence that Coach Stoops and so many others before him have instilled in this great program."
Boren, in part:
"It was with sadness that I learned of the decision of Coach Bob Stoops to step down as head football coach at Oklahoma. Coach Stoops has made a critically important and lasting contribution to the OU football program. He has led to its restoration as one of the top programs in the nation. His success has helped provide the momentum for major new facilities like the improvements and expansion of the football stadium. Because of his unquestioned personal integrity and high standards, he is one of the most admired college football coaches in America."
VP/AD Joe Castiglione, in part:
"It is rare in today's world that a president, athletics director and head football coach can work together for 18 successful seasons. Bob Stoops stands as one of the premier legendary figures in one of the most storied programs in college football history, yet he is still best identified by his humble nature and team approach that refused to get caught up in stature. That's the reason Bob is such a great leader. He has great vision and great accomplishment, but it never changed who he is as a man and a coach.
"Working alongside him has been one of the most enjoyable aspects of my job. Few athletics directors get a coach who better combines success and cohesiveness like Bob Stoops. I can't help but feel somewhat sad today because Bob has been such a constant in my life, and that's why I am so thankful that he will remain with us. He will continue to do great things for OU."
