Mike Stoops, a seasoned defensive strategist in college football, is heading to Ole Miss for the 2026 season. This move comes after Stoops' tenure as the inside linebackers coach at Kentucky, where he worked under his brother, Mark Stoops, until Mark's recent departure.
Stoops' new role at Ole Miss places him with one of Oklahoma's SEC rivals, a twist given his deep connections to the Sooners. His history with Oklahoma includes a notable partnership with current OU head coach Brent Venables. The duo co-led the Sooners' defense from 1999 to 2003, a period highlighted by a national championship in 2000.
After a head coaching stint at Arizona, Stoops returned to Oklahoma in 2012 to work alongside his brother Bob Stoops. His journey took him through various roles, including a defensive analyst position at Alabama and a coordinator role at Florida Atlantic, before joining Kentucky.
While a reunion with Venables at Oklahoma seemed plausible, Stoops is now set to bring his extensive experience to Ole Miss. His familiarity with the Sooners' strategies will add an intriguing layer when Ole Miss faces Oklahoma in their SEC matchup on November 14.