When a program like Oklahoma makes a major move at the top of its athletic department, people pay attention-especially when the hire catches folks off guard. That’s exactly what happened with the Sooners’ decision to bring in Roger Denny as their new athletic director. And while Denny might not have been a household name-or even on the radar for most fans-one of the most trusted voices in OU history is backing the choice.
Bob Stoops, the legendary former head football coach who still carries significant weight in Norman, shared his thoughts on Denny during a Friday appearance on KREF, just before the university officially announced the hire. And while Stoops didn’t spill every detail, his endorsement carries a lot of weight, especially considering he was directly involved in the hiring process.
Let’s break it down.
A New Era, A New Leader
Roger Denny steps into the role as Oklahoma’s 12th athletic director, replacing the long-tenured and widely respected Joe Castiglione. That alone is no small task-Castiglione helped shape OU athletics into a national powerhouse across multiple sports. So naturally, the bar is sky-high.
Denny’s background is unconventional by traditional standards. He’s been at Illinois since 2021, serving as Chief Operating Officer and Executive Senior Associate Athletic Director, with oversight of the Fighting Illini football program. But before his time in college athletics, Denny spent roughly 15 years practicing law-an experience that, in today’s college sports landscape, is more of an asset than a detour.
With the NCAA navigating NIL, conference realignment, and a rapidly shifting legal and financial environment, having someone who understands the legal side of the business is more important than ever. That legal background reportedly played a major role in making Denny an appealing candidate for OU.
Stoops Was in the Room
This wasn’t a decision made in a vacuum. A 12-person search committee, led by Randall Stephenson, was tasked with identifying the right successor to Castiglione.
The Athlete Group was also brought in to assist with the search. And yes, Bob Stoops was part of that committee.
That’s a big deal.
Stoops isn’t just a legendary figure from OU’s past-he’s still deeply connected to the program, a regular presence around the athletic department, and someone who wants nothing but success for the university. So when he says he’s impressed with Denny, it’s not just lip service.
"I'm very impressed with Roger," Stoops said on the radio. "Everything about him.
His experience. To me, experience matters.
I say it all the time-in the coaching world, athletic director, in every role there is-the experience you've had, what you've lived, makes a big difference, and how much success you've had. So, yeah, I'm obviously all on board, excited about it."
That’s not just a polite endorsement. That’s Stoops putting his name behind the hire.
A Surprise Hire with Strong Backing
Let’s be real-Denny’s name wasn’t floating around message boards or media reports during the search. There were no leaks, no rumors, no breadcrumbs suggesting he was even in the mix. And he doesn’t have prior ties to Oklahoma, which only added to the surprise when the announcement dropped.
But the fact that a group of experienced decision-makers, including someone like Stoops, landed on Denny speaks volumes. It wasn’t about familiarity or nostalgia. It was about finding the right person for the job in a rapidly changing college sports environment.
Denny may not have the traditional résumé of a Power Five athletic director, but the landscape itself isn’t traditional anymore. OU’s move to the SEC, the ever-evolving NIL ecosystem, and the business side of college athletics all demand a leader who can navigate complexity with confidence. That’s what Denny brings to the table.
The Bottom Line
Change can be uncomfortable, especially when it involves a figure as respected as Joe Castiglione stepping away. And when the replacement is someone without deep Oklahoma roots, it’s natural for fans to raise an eyebrow.
But Bob Stoops isn’t just offering a polite nod-he was part of the process, saw the candidates up close, and came away fully on board with Denny. That kind of endorsement matters. If Stoops believes Roger Denny is the right person to lead Oklahoma into its next chapter, fans have good reason to feel optimistic.
The hire may have been unexpected, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t the right one.