Former Oklahoma Sooners coach Bob Stoops says program is working well, Lincoln Riley ‘didn’t invent college football’

One day he was appointed by the Oklahoma Legislature, the former Sooners Coach Bob Stoops delivered a campaign-like speech to the state House of Representatives to reassure fans following the departure of coach Lincoln Riley.

“Lincoln Riley did not invent OU football,” said Bob Stoops, “while being honored Tuesday with a resolution celebrating ‘Oklahoma community service and success with the OU Football program’,” said Bob Stoops.

Stoops served as head coach at Oklahoma for 18 years before handing the keys to his offensive coordinator, Riley, who left Norman after five seasons for USC. Riley has been replaced by another former Stoops assistant in Brent Venables.

“Brent is a major part of [Oklahoma’s undefeated 2000 season]”Stoops said.” He was with us 13 years and then went 10 years to Clemson where they had a huge resurgence – not the revival they came from – to become one of the top teams. in the country . He has all the experience in the world. I don’t need to tell you about his passion and energy. It oozes everywhere and infects everyone. “

Stoops credited Bud Wilkinson, who arrived in 1947, for laying the groundwork for one of the oldest programs in college football.

“Bud Wilkinson created the monster that Coach [Barry] Switzer talks about it all the time and I’ve had to deal with it for 18 years,” Stoops said. And it’s a monster. But I love it. I’m the lucky one to have been able to be at Oklahoma all these years – 18 years old as head coach – and fortunately they’ve kept me here for a while so I can step into moments like position. Hopefully we are no more. “

Stop walking in shortly after Riley resigned, coaching the Sooners to a 47-32 win over Oregon in the Valero Alamo Bowl. Stoops’ emergency coaching job was one of the jobs he recognized on Tuesday.

He said it was not difficult to be lured back to the sidelines, especially since he received calls from sporting director Joe Castiglione and president Joe Harroz while he was on the golf course.

“I was given way too much credit for it,” Stoops said. “I didn’t play golf well that day, so it was easy to get off the course.”

He said that he immediately began to stabilize the emotions of the shocked Sooners.

“My first assignment is to remind everyone – the players, the community, everyone at the university – Lincoln Riley didn’t invent OU football, OK?” Stoops said, with a clear agreement from several lawmakers. “People needed a wake-up call because they thought he did.”

Tuesday’s resolution honored the Stoops for his coaching career, which includes becoming the only coach in the BCS era to win the Fiesta, Orange, Rose and Sugar Bowls plus the championship. nation. He coached the Sooners to more wins than any other Power 5 program during his 18-year tenure. It cited his 101-9 home record, 37 all-American players and 79 draft picks he coached, including two Heisman Trophy winners.

Stoops was also commended for his charity work and his work with patients at children’s hospitals “putting them on the football experience sooner.”

Stoops, with Harroz at his side and the OU spirit team and Boomer mascot attending OU Day in the legislature, also took the opportunity to take on a little political act of his own, making his case. yourself to get more funding for the university.

“Keep sending it our way in positive ways, if you like,” he said.

He ended his speech with more reassurance about the future of the football program.

“I promise you we’re in great, great hands and I look to the future in a really positive way,” he said. “Love the state of Oklahoma. Boomer,” he said, when members of the House replied, “Earlier!”