Oklahoma's legendary coach, Bob Stoops, remains a familiar face around the OU football program. When news broke that the Sooners are expected to bring in Deland McCullough as their new running backs coach, Stoops, like many OU fans, did some quick research and came away impressed.
Stoops shared his thoughts on KREF Sports radio's The Rush, giving a nod of approval to Brent Venables' choice to replace DeMarco Murray. Murray, a former running back under Stoops, is now heading to the NFL to coach the Kansas City Chiefs' running backs.
Deland McCullough's credentials have caught Stoops' attention. "I haven't met him yet, but I’m looking forward to it," Stoops said.
"He's got a really accomplished background in both college and NFL coaching. He looks awesome, just from what I've read."
McCullough's most recent role was with the Las Vegas Raiders as their running backs coach. After a coaching shake-up with Pete Carroll's departure, McCullough became available, having worked with All-Rookie running back Ashton Jeanty.
Before his stint in Vegas, he spent three years at Notre Dame, even serving as associate head coach in 2024 when the team reached the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. His resume also includes successful tenures at Indiana, the Kansas City Chiefs, and USC, boasting 16 1,000-yard rushers.
Adding a personal touch, both McCullough and Stoops hail from Youngstown, Ohio, a connection that Stoops finds intriguing. "I'm sure he's a great guy," Stoops remarked. "He's a Youngstown guy, so you know he's got to be."
Stoops' enthusiasm for McCullough's arrival in Norman is clear, as he expressed confidence in the new coach's impressive background and potential impact.