Bob Stoops retiring after 18 seasons with Oklahoma, OC Lincoln Riley named coach
Wild news out of Norman, Okla., as longtime Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops has decided to step down from the top of his program and retire from coaching. Stoops has reportedly called a team meeting where he plans to announce the news to the team.
Berry Tramel of The Oklahoman was the first to report the news. According to Tramel, Oklahoma offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley will become the next Sooner head coach. Riley, 33, has been with the Sooners for two seasons after leaving ECU and has only been an offensive coordinator since 2010. Riley has never been a head coach.
According to Bruce Feldman of FOX Sports, Riley will not be an interim coach, he has the job full-time.
SOURCE: Lincoln Riley will not be an “interim” HC. He is taking over for Bob Stoops at #OU: https://t.co/yGy5Dv3i9R
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) June 7, 2017
Stoops ends his career with the Sooners with a 190–48 overall record, including a national championship win (2000) and 10 Big 12 championships.
Oklahoma is coming off an 11-2 season, with a 9-0 Big 12 record, and a 35-19 Sugar Bowl win over Auburn.
Stoops has since confirmed the news of his retirement:
Bob Stoops: "My health was not the deciding factor in this decision & I've had no incidents that would prevent me from coaching"
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) June 7, 2017
Bob Stoops: "I feel the timing is perfect to hand over the reins. The time is now because Lincoln Riley will provide a seamless transition"
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) June 7, 2017
