NORMAN, OK — In a surprising and significant move, the Oklahoma Sooners have officially brought back Bob Stoops as part of their coaching staff, sparking excitement and curiosity among fans and pundits alike. The legendary coach, who led the Sooners to multiple Big 12 titles and a national championship during his 18-year tenure, is returning to the program after stepping down from his head coaching role in 2017. His rehire is seen as a call for redemption, a move that signals the Sooners’ ambition to reclaim their place among the elite teams in college football.
The announcement came late Friday evening, just days before Oklahoma’s critical matchup against a top-ranked opponent. While Stoops will not be taking the reins as head coach, he will assume a prominent role in the program, helping with player development, team morale, and possibly even advising on strategic game-planning. His return marks a new chapter in Oklahoma’s football journey as they try to rebuild after a few years of underperformance, both on and off the field.
1. A Shocking Return to Norman
Bob Stoops, one of the most successful coaches in Oklahoma history, stepped down from the head coach position in 2017, leaving behind a legacy of 10 Big 12 titles, a national championship in 2000, and a 190-48 overall record. His departure came as a surprise to many, as Stoops had guided the Sooners through nearly two decades of dominance in the Big 12 and national relevance.
At the time of his resignation, Stoops expressed a desire to spend more time with his family, but also hinted that his coaching days were far from over. Fast forward to today, Stoops’ return to Norman, while not as the head coach, is being celebrated by Oklahoma fans as a much-needed dose of stability and leadership for a program that has been in flux in recent years.
After Lincoln Riley’s departure to USC in 2021 and Brent Venables’ subsequent hiring as the new head coach, Oklahoma football has experienced growing pains. The Sooners have failed to recapture the same level of success they enjoyed under Stoops and Riley, and their performance on the field has dipped, leaving the fanbase restless and yearning for the return of winning ways.
“It’s an honor to be back in Norman and to have the opportunity to contribute to this program once again,” Stoops said during his first press conference after the announcement. “Oklahoma is a special place, and I’m excited to help this team get back to where it belongs — competing for championships and bringing pride to our fans.”
2. A Call for Redemption
The decision to bring Stoops back isn’t just a sentimental gesture. It’s a clear call for redemption after a period of turbulence. Oklahoma’s football program has faced increasing pressure in recent years, with high expectations not being met on the field, particularly in the wake of Lincoln Riley’s departure. While Riley had transformed the program into a perennial playoff contender, his exit left a gap in leadership and direction.
Stoops’ return is seen as an attempt to restore the culture of excellence that defined his tenure as head coach. Under his leadership, Oklahoma consistently recruited top-tier talent, developed Heisman-winning quarterbacks, and remained a fixture in the College Football Playoff conversation. However, since his departure, the Sooners have been caught in a rebuilding phase, and their performance in the Big 12 has been inconsistent.
“We need that winning culture back,” said Sooners athletic director Joe Castiglione, who worked closely with Stoops throughout his career. “Bob is a proven winner, a leader who understands what it takes to win at the highest level. This is about more than just games; it’s about instilling a mindset that Oklahoma is a championship program. We’re excited to have him back and to see how his leadership can help guide us moving forward.”
For many players, Stoops represents the gold standard of Oklahoma football. His success in building a competitive program, developing future NFL talent, and maintaining a winning mindset resonates deeply within the current team. His return is expected to reinvigorate the locker room, where morale has fluctuated in recent years as the Sooners transition into a new era under Venables.
3. A New Role: Mentorship and Player Development
Though Stoops will not be taking over the head coach role from Brent Venables, his new position will allow him to have a significant influence on the day-to-day operations of the team. Sources close to the program have indicated that Stoops will focus on mentorship, player development, and advising Venables on strategic decisions.
“I’m not here to undermine Brent or take away from his leadership,” Stoops clarified. “He’s the head coach, and he’s doing an excellent job. I’m here to support him, help with what I can, and work with the players. I’m going to focus on teaching them what it means to be a Sooner — that’s what we need right now.”
Stoops is expected to work closely with the team’s quarterbacks, an area where Oklahoma has struggled in recent seasons. While the Sooners have recruited talented quarterbacks, they’ve lacked consistency at the position since Stoops’ departure, particularly with the transition from Riley’s high-powered offense to Venables’ defensive-minded approach.
“I think Bob will bring an invaluable perspective to the quarterback room,” said an anonymous source within the program. “He knows what it takes to develop elite players. He’s done it time and again. The way he connects with athletes and teaches them the mental side of the game is something we’ve been missing.”
Additionally, Stoops’ return is expected to be a boost to the Sooners’ recruiting efforts. His long-standing relationships with high school coaches and recruits across the country will help Oklahoma regain its recruiting edge, particularly in the talent-rich state of Texas. Stoops’ reputation as a recruiter is second to none, and his presence is likely to help Oklahoma attract top-tier talent once again.
4. The Legacy of Bob Stoops at Oklahoma
Bob Stoops’ impact on Oklahoma football cannot be overstated. When he took over the program in 1999, he inherited a team that was in the midst of a rebuilding phase. Just a few years later, Stoops turned the Sooners into national contenders, culminating in their 2000 national championship season. During his tenure, he led Oklahoma to 10 Big 12 championships and appeared in 18 bowl games, including 11 consecutive years of postseason play.
Stoops also helped develop some of the best players in college football, including Heisman winners Jason White, Sam Bradford, and Kyler Murray, as well as future NFL stars like Adrian Peterson and Joe Mixon. His ability to recruit and develop top-tier talent was a hallmark of his tenure.
Despite stepping down as head coach in 2017, Stoops remained involved with the program as a special advisor and has continued to stay active in the football community. His knowledge of the game and understanding of what makes Oklahoma unique in the college football landscape have made him a respected figure, both in Norman and nationally.
“I’ve always been a Sooner, and I always will be,” Stoops said. “It feels great to be back, and I’m ready to get to work.”
5. The Road Ahead: Can Stoops Lead the Sooners Back to Glory?
With Stoops’ return, the Sooners are hoping to turn the page on a difficult period in the program’s history. Brent Venables, who was hired in 2021 to replace Lincoln Riley, has faced the difficult task of maintaining Oklahoma’s tradition of excellence while adjusting to a changing college football landscape. While Venables is a highly respected defensive mind, his first two seasons have been a mix of highs and lows, with Oklahoma struggling to regain its former dominance.
The partnership between Stoops and Venables could provide the stability and leadership that Oklahoma needs to return to prominence. While Stoops will not be the head coach, his experience, mentorship, and passion for the program could prove to be the key ingredient in Oklahoma’s quest for redemption.
For Oklahoma fans, the return of Bob Stoops represents more than just a reunion with a beloved coach; it is a signal that the Sooners are ready to reclaim their place among college football’s elite. With Stoops back in the fold, Oklahoma hopes to recapture the magic of the past and build a new era of success — one that will bring championships back to Norman.
“We’ve got a lot of work to do,” Stoops said. “But we’re going to get back to being Oklahoma football — the way it should be.”
