Bob Stoops Announces Retirement from Coaching
ARLINGTON, Texas - One of college football’s most respected figures is officially stepping away from the sidelines. Bob Stoops, the former Oklahoma head coach and a towering presence in the sport for over two decades, announced Monday that he is retiring from coaching.
This marks the end of a remarkable chapter in Stoops’ football journey - a career defined by consistency, leadership, and a knack for building powerhouse programs. While he had already stepped down from his long-held post at OU back in 2017, his continued involvement in the sport, including a recent stint in the XFL with the Arlington Renegades, kept him close to the action. Now, Stoops says it’s time to close the book on coaching for good.
A Career That Spanned Eras
Stoops first made a name for himself as a defensive coordinator at Florida under Steve Spurrier, but it was his move to Norman in 1999 that truly changed the trajectory of his career - and Oklahoma’s program. In just his second season, Stoops led the Sooners to a national championship. That 2000 title run didn’t just bring hardware back to Norman - it restored the swagger of a blue-blood program that had lost its way in the 1990s.
Over 18 seasons at Oklahoma, Stoops compiled a 190-48 record, won 10 Big 12 titles, and coached two Heisman Trophy winners. But beyond the numbers, Stoops helped modernize the Sooners without sacrificing the program’s traditional toughness. He was a coach who could recruit with the best, scheme with the best, and most importantly, win with the best.
A Brief Return, Then One Last Ride
Even after stepping down in 2017 and handing the reins to Lincoln Riley, Stoops never drifted far from the game. He returned briefly to lead Oklahoma in the 2021 Alamo Bowl after Riley’s departure to USC, guiding the Sooners to a win and reminding everyone that the fire still burned.
Then came his role in the XFL, where he served as head coach of the Arlington Renegades. Stoops brought credibility and structure to the league and helped the Renegades capture the 2023 XFL championship. It was a different stage, but the same Stoops - calm, prepared, and always a step ahead.
Walking Away on His Terms
Now, at 65, Stoops says he’s ready to fully step away from the headset. In his announcement, he expressed gratitude for the opportunities he’s had and the people he’s worked with - from players and coaches to staff and fans. It’s clear this decision wasn’t made lightly, but it’s also clear that Stoops is walking away on his own terms, and with his legacy intact.
He leaves behind a coaching tree that stretches across the college football landscape, and a reputation as one of the game’s most respected minds. His influence at Oklahoma is still felt today, especially as Brent Venables - one of Stoops’ former assistants - continues to lead the program forward.
What’s Next?
While Stoops is done coaching, don’t be surprised if he stays connected to the game in some way. Whether it’s through media, mentoring, or simply being a proud alum cheering from the stands, his presence will always loom large in Norman and beyond.
For a coach who helped define an era of Oklahoma football - and left his mark on the broader sport - this retirement is more of a celebration than a goodbye. Bob Stoops didn’t just win games. He built a culture, developed leaders, and reminded us that sustained excellence is still possible in the ever-changing world of college football.
The Sooners, the Renegades, and the sport as a whole are better for having had him.