There’s nothing Bob Stoops needs to do to be considered one of the legendary figures of Oklahoma football. His run as head coach cemented his legacy. A national championship and effectively owning the Big 12 for a decade and a half are impressive accomplishments.
And yet, his legacy continues to grow.
After Lincoln Riley bailed for USC, the Oklahoma Sooners were left without a head coach approaching one of the most important times of the year: the early signing period for the 2022 recruiting class.
Wanting to reset the trajectory after Riley’s departure, Joseph Harroz and Joe Castiglione turned to the man who passed the program onto Riley and Bob Stoops has stepped up in a tremendous way. After being introduced earlier this week as the interim head coach, Stoops took off on the recruiting trail to reaffirm Oklahoma’s commitment to excellence and provide stability in an unstable time. And it’s making an impact.
As loyal as they come, Stoops was willing to step up and lead the program while Harroz and Castiglione conduct the search for Oklahoma’s next coach. And he was willing to do so for free.
Joe Harroz: Bob Stoops “twice refused” to be paid for his services as interim head coach. But they stopped asking him and are paying him anyway.
— Jason Kersey (@jasonkersey) December 2, 2021
Oklahoma President Joseph Harroz indicated that Stoops “twice declined” the $325,000 payment for taking on the coaching role for the university.
In an age where coaches are seemingly all about the money, it’s refreshing to hear a coach simply want to help.
Bob Stoops is already legend in Oklahoma sports. It was cemented when he retired. His presence is making a difference. It’s providing stability, when just five days ago Lincoln Riley abruptly quit on the program and the team.
Getting a second run if Bob Stoops is a treat, even if it is just for the bowl game. It may only be a few weeks, but he’s the hero the Sooners needed at a time such as this.
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Former players, social media react to Bob Stoops introduction as OU’s Interim Head Coach
