In a major shakeup, Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops is retiring as the head coach of the Sooners, according to Berry Tramel of The Oklahoman. The report also said that offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley would take over the program as head coach effective immediately. Bruce Feldman of Fox Sports confirmed the news on Wednesday afternoon.
BREAKING Can confirm Oklahoman report that Bob Stoops is retiring at #OU, effective immediately. Lincoln Riley will become the new HC
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) June 7, 2017
Riley was a former walk-on at Texas Tech and had become a hot name in college football coaching circles due to his success at Texas Tech, East Carolina as their offensive coordinator, and in his last two seasons in Norman.
The 33-year-old native of Muleshoe, Texas becomes the youngest FBS head coach and takes over a program that is expected to be a national title contender for his first head coaching job.
Per Tramel, Stoops will stay on with the university in some capacity. He finished 190-48 in 18 seasons, which included nine outright Big 12 titles and a national championship in 2000.
UPDATE (3:20 PM CST):
Oklahoma has confirmed the news that Bob Stoops is retiring as head football coach in a release sent out on Wednesday afternoon. To read the full release, click here.
Full statement from new Sooners head coach Lincoln Riley (per OU):
“I’m sincerely honored to be given this opportunity to be the head football coach at the University of Oklahoma. I want to thank Coach Stoops for bringing me here two years ago and making me part of the Sooner family. He is one of the greatest coaches in the history of the game, at any level. I’m absolutely thankful for our friendship and for the mentorship he has provided.
“Coaching at Oklahoma is a dream come true for me and my family. I am extremely grateful to President Boren, Joe Castiglione, Chairman Bennett and the OU Board of Regents for believing in me and affording me this opportunity. I look forward to continuing the tradition of excellence that Coach Stoops and so many others before him have instilled in this great program.”
Full statement from Bob Stoops (also found in release):
Full Bob Stoops statement from OU pic.twitter.com/ZZkvjfZKaG
— Mark Schlabach (@Mark_Schlabach) June 7, 2017
Brought to you by:
