Florida coach Urban Meyer resigns; Stoops among the candidates: Urban Meyer said in a telephone interview late Saturday that the hospital trip prompted weeks of soul searching that ended on Christmas night, when he told his family he would be leaving his job at Florida. He said that his 18-year-old daughter, Nicki, hugged him and said, "I get my daddy back." Meyer led the Gators to two of the past three national titles and posted a career record of 95-18, including a 56-10 mark at Florida entering the Sugar Bowl. The news sent shockwaves through the sport and raised a fascinating question: Who will replace Meyer in what some consider the best job in college football? The two top candidates will be Oklahoma Coach Bob Stoops and Mullen. Both are former Florida assistant coaches: Stoops was the defensive coordinator during Steve Spurrier’s tenure, and Mullen left after last season to take over at Mississippi State. (More at NY Times) UPDATE: Oklahoma fans can rest a little bit easier after Florida coach Urban Meyer was offered and accepted an indefinite leave of absence to reclaim his old job. (ESPN.com)
Oklahma coach Bob Stoops met with the media to preview the Sooners' upcoming bowl game against Stanford.
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Bob Stoops... On Trent Williams playing center:
"I don't know if it's fair to say it's easy. He has worked there through the year just for depth purposes. He is an excellent football player. I know it will give us a major presence wherever he is at, so hopefully it will work."
On Stanford player Chase Beeler:
"He's an excellent young man. He is a great student-athlete in that he does a great job with his academic work. He worked hard here, always had a good attitude coming to practice, technically was sound in how he played, he was still young for us, so he hadn’t fully matured yet but knew he would have a strong future."
On Landry making strides during bowl practices:
"He has done a nice job. He has come on. I feel he has done that through the year. In the end, the extra work with him and the receivers together have made some strides."
On defending Stanford running back Toby Gerhart:
"It isn't just defending Toby Gerhart, its defending the whole package. They do such a great job of moving their formations and their tight ends around, and trying to create seams in space. He has great patience and vision to wait for those seams, and then he has the power and quickness when he does see it to gain yards and break tackles. They do an excellent job. He, in particular, also does a great job running the ball with his size and strength, protecting his legs and gaining yards when they aren’t there."
On Chris Brown and DeMarco Murray's final game together:
"It has been really neat to see just the two of them palling around together. Not just the friendship they have, but how they work together, they push each other. They are genuinely excited to see the other do well. I think it's fair that between the two of them, they have really complemented each other really well. You look a year ago and they are 2,000 yard rushers. That doesn’t happen a lot and its pretty special."
Chris Mortenson suggests Jerry Jones could be interested in Bob Stoops: ESPN NFL analyst Chris Mortensen says Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops could receive a phone call from Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones if the Cowboys part ways with current head coach Wade Phillips. On ESPN Radio, Mortensen said Jones would have Stoops in mind if he decides to fire Phillips, who is under fire despite coaching the Cowboys to a 30-13 record over the past three seasons. Mortensen is not saying Stoops would go if called. He says the interest would purely be on Jones' side at this point. (KTUL)
For the third time, Bob Stoops turns Notre Dame down: The Notre Dame coaching search is less than a week old and on a serpentine path requiring motion-sickness medication to follow. Just Saturday, Bob Stoops left the running for the third time, Brian Kelly said he would entertain overtures before not entertaining questions and everyone wondered when the dust storm would settle. Despite a published report that a coaching announcement could come as early as Sunday, a source with knowledge of the situation told the Tribune that timetable was inaccurate. The process, however, should conclude by the end of this week. (Chicago Tribune)
Sooner fans take a sigh of breath, a deep sigh. Bob Stoops will remain University of Oklahoma's football coach.
After rampant rumors of him taking over Notre Dame's head coaching position, Stoops, Oklahoma head coach, publicly addressed the rumors of him becoming Notre Dame's next coach on Monday.
And, Stoops re-affirmed his commitment to the Sooners.
"I'm going to be at Oklahoma next year," Stoops said. "If Joe (Castiglione) will have me and President (David) Boren, that's what I intend to do."
And Stoops, wasn't done. After an on-air report by ESPN's Adam Schefter, saying "Notre Dame is interested in Bob Stoops and the interest is mutual." Bob Stoops quickly shot down that report, "I stand by the comments that I made earlier today. I will be at Oklahoma. Any reporting to the contrary is completely unfounded," Stoops said in a statement.
Sources close to both Stoops and the University of Oklahoma confirmed to GNEXTINC.com his intentions to stay with Oklahoma.
One source close to Bob Stoops confirmed to GNEXTINC.com, negotiations between Stoops and Notre Dame broke off after word of talks leaked publicly. Another source, close to University of Oklahoma, said Stoops assured the University he'd remain Oklahoma's coach.
According to both sources, Stoops and ND talks were held through third parties and never really matured.
Stoops, who grew up as a Midwestern Catholic in Youngstown, Ohio, has long been rumored to Notre Dame's job, even, before Charlie Weis' hiring in 2004.
However, Stoops has turned down numerous jobs, since then, including New York Giants, Alabama Crimson Tide and Florida Gators.
But this time the Irish came strong and fully loaded with millions to offer Stoops and desperate for wins. Notre Dame's faithful and school officials had Stoops atop their wish list and fully willing to offer the house. Though aggressively pursued, Stoops rejected Notre Dame, again.
The Irish will likely turn their head coaching search to TCU's Gary Patterson, Stanford's Jim Harbaugh or Cincinatti's Brian Kelly.
Within hours after Notre Dame's official firing of Charlie Weis.
Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops offered another denial saying he won't coach the Irish, and he'll be coaching Oklahoma next year, after television reports on Monday evening continued to say Stoops would be named Notre Dame's next head coach.
Early Monday evening, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on-air, one NFL source told him, Stoops would be Notre Dame's next head coach. "One NFL source," Schefter reported, "goes so far as to say he believes an agreement is all but a formality, with some details, likely including the Oklahoma contract, still to be resolved."
However, late Monday evening, Bob Stoops denied the report.
"I stand by the comments that I made earlier today. I will be at Oklahoma. Any reporting to the contrary is completely unfounded," Stoops said in a statement.
Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops has denied he's interested in Notre Dame. However, on Monday, he wouldn't confirm nor deny if he'd interview for any job. The question, despite Stoops' denial, will Bob Stoops be named Notre Dame's next head coach?
Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops vehemently denied he's interested in Notre Dame's head coaching job, he told reporters on Monday, after rumors swirled Stoops would meet with Notre Dame school officials.
"I'm going to be at Oklahoma next year," he said. "If Joe (Castiglione) will have me and President (David) Boren, that's what I intend to do." Stoops, added: "I can't be at two places at once."
However, Stoops did not confirm nor deny he had any contact with Notre Dame officials. "I will never confirm or deny whether I talk or not talk to anybody, and I won't be interviewing for any jobs," he said.
On Monday, Notre Dame fired head coach Charlie Weis after five seasons with the Irish. The school named Rob Ianello, wide receivers coach, as interim head coach for Notre Dame's bowl game.
With Weis fired -- Notre Dame will reportedly target Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops. On Friday, the Chicago Sun-Times, citing an unnamed source, reported "A university source has Oklahoma's Bob Stoops at the very top of ND athletic director Jack Swarbrick's wish list."
Stoops signed a contract in June, through 2015, reportedly valued over $30 million dollars. However, Notre Dame will reportedly buyout Weis' contract worth $16-20 million dollars, while the school reportedly has an endowment of over $5 billion dollars.
On Monday evening, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported, one NFL source with close Notre Dame ties believed it's all but a formality that Stoops would be named Notre Dame's next head coach with only details in the Oklahoma contract to be resolved.
Report: Rumors of Stoops being interested in talking to ND are untrue: OU offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson, who was out Sunday recruiting with Stoops, told The Oklahoman Sunday night he didn't think there was anything to the Notre Dame rumors, though admitted "Bob doesn't talk about that stuff." Another source close to the program told The Oklahoman reports that Stoops is interested in talking about the Notre Dame job are untrue. (The Oklahoman)
Oklahoma Sooners ended their regular season (7-5) Saturday shuting out No. 12 Oklahoma State, 27-0, in Norman. Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops and OU defense forced Oklahoma State's first shutout since 2005.
Shortly, following Oklahoma's Bedlam win, silly season rumors ratched up with rumors of Stoops flying to South Bend to meet with Irish officials on Sunday, to rumors of, Notre Dame officials were in Norman to observe Saturday's game.
Speculation was fueled when Tony Barnhart, CBS Sports analyst, cited unnamed sources saying Stoops would fly to Notre Dame "as early as tomorrow" to have a sit-down with school officials.
However, late Saturday, the rumor of Stoops and Irish holding conversations about the replacement of current ND head coach Charlie Weis was dismissed by Jack Swarbrick, Notre Dame Athletics Director.
"Any version of anything you hear in the contact with a coach are absolutely false," Swarbrick said before Saturday night's Notre Dame-Stanford game. "We haven't talked to anybody. We haven't authorized anybody to talk to anybody. It's simply not true.
"We'll engage in the evaluation in earnest following this game, then we'll go from there."
ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit said on ABC's Saturday night football telecast of ND-Stanford, he spoke with Stoops following Saturday's Bedlam game. Stoops assured Herbstreit, he or his agent hasn't spoke with Notre Dame officials.
In addition, Stoops explicitly denied the CBS report in a text message to Tulsa World. According to Tulsa World, Stoops replied in a text that, "On the record, I'm not interviewing. This is the first I've hear of this (rumor)."
On Friday, there was a published report that Stoops was atop Notre Dame's coaching wishlist. The Chicago Sun-Times, citing an unnamed source, reported "A university source has Oklahoma's Bob Stoops at the very top of ND athletic director Jack Swarbrick's wish list."
Among the coaches, who are thought, to be on ND's wishlist are Brian Kelly, Gary Patterson, Bob Stoops and Urban Meyer.
Notre Dame lost to Stanford 45-38, in likely Weis' last game as Notre Dame's head coach.
Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops is standing by his former assistant and University of Kansas football coach Mark Mangino. Mangino, who is facing an internal KU athletics department investigation into alleged mistreatment of players after some voiced concerned.
Mangino has denied any mistreatment of players. "I run this program with a lot of integrity," Mangino told the Kansas City Star.
Stoops concurs saying Mangino has always been close to and concerned about his players.
Mangino served as Stoops' offense coordinator at Oklahoma from 2000-2001
On Tuesday, Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops addressed the media at his weekly press conference, previewing OU-Texas Tech and addressing Oklahoma's win against Texas A&M.
Monday night Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops denied any interest in Notre Dame's head coaching position. After a report first published by Chicago Sun-Times, citing an anonymous source, Stoops had told confidants he would be interested in talking to the Irish.
Stoops, however, went on to call the rumor "ridiculous" on Monday Night.
Stoops after practice told reporters:
"There's not even a job (open) at Notre Dame," said Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops.
As the college football season nears an end, silly-season rumors are picking up. And to no one's surprise, rumors concerning Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops arise after arguably the most challenging and unpredictable season in Stoops' tenure. According to Chicago Sun-Times, Oklahoma's Bob Stoops is reportedly interested in Notre Dame if Charlie Weis is fired (as expected).
The paper cites an anonymous source, saying...
[Bob] Stoops has told confidants he would be interested in talking to the Irish.
Other names being mentioned are -- former NFL head coach Jon Gruden, Cincinnati's Brian Kelly and Iowa's Kirk Ferentz.
Stoops in June signed an extension with Oklahoma, reportedly valued over $30 million dollars, through 2015.
Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops addressed the media at his weekly press conference, previewing OU-Kansas State.
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Notable Quotes:
On Drew Allen: "He gets the usual snaps that a No. 2 guy would get. I haven't counted them up but I feel comfortable with it. He's doing a nice job, he's coming along and getting better and making good improvement. We're happy with what he's doing."
On Tress Way place kicking: "I just don't feel that Jimmy (Stevens) has been consistent as he needs to be. Tress has showed me enough in practice that he is much better than he was a year ago and he's been more consistent. He deserves the opportunity and we will see how he handles it."
Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops addressed the media at his weekly press conference, previewing OU-Kansas. Stoops also reviewed and commented on Oklahoma's loss to Texas.
Stoops wouldn't mind home-and-home series for OU-Texas: Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops points out the atmosphere at the Cotton Bowl when Oklahoma plays Texas is special. But if he had his way, Stoops would like the series to periodically be played at Texas' Memorial Stadium and OU's Owen Field. "I always felt it'd be pretty neat to play it home-and-home once in a while," Stoops said Tuesday during his weekly press conference. "That'd be pretty cool, too." (The Oklahoman)
Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops addressed the media at his weekly press conference, previewing the Baylor game. In addition, discussing OU's loss to Miami and updating Sam Bradford's status.
Latest on Bradford: No timetable given for return: On Monday, Bob Stoops said Sam Bradford, the Heisman Trophy winner won't play until he's "fully capable." "We'll see," Stoops said during Monday's teleconference. "It's too early. I'm not getting into how close or far [he was to playing Saturday against Miami]. The bottom line is he wasn't where he needed to be." Stoops was asked several times about Bradford's availability and wouldn't budge. "Everyone wants me to give them an answer I can't give," Stoops said. "Until you can see a guy progress, how do you know? Until you get out and work it, you don't have any idea." (ESPNDallas.com)
ESPN's College Football Live Bus made a stop in Norman on Thursday and Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops appeared on the show to discuss OU's quarterback situation. Most notably, Stoops said in the interview Sam Bradford will "probably not" dress out against Miami. (Video Below)
Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops addressed the media Tuesday at his weekly press conference, previewing the Miami game. Among the subjects, he updated the status of QB Sam Bradford, he talked about the storied rivalry between Miami and Oklahoma. (Video Below)
Bob and Carol Stoops donate 150k to OU Business School: To benefit University of Oklahoma business students, Bob and Carol Stoops are making a $150,000 gift to support junior faculty who are vital to the classroom as they advance professionally.
The gift from Bob, a 1983 marketing graduate from the University of Iowa, and Carol, an entrepreneur, establishes the Bob Stoops Business Faculty Fellow Program within the Michael F. Price College of Business. The program will assist untenured assistant professors in the college with their research into the areas of accounting, finance, management, management information systems and marketing and supply chain management.
"We all value exceptional faculty members," Coach Stoops said. "I had a number of good instructors during my time in the business school at Iowa and was unaware at that time that donors were contributing to the overall health of the university and my education," he said. "It is gratifying for Carol and me to help out in this way now. We hope that this program will ultimately benefit OU students. I appreciate Dean Evans and everyone who has worked so hard to build a great reputation for the Price College of Business."
OU President David L. Boren said, "The university is grateful for the generous gift to the Price College of Business made by Carol and Bob Stoops. Their strong support of OU's academic mission is a great source of encouragement and opportunity for faculty and students."
Awards in the Bob Stoops Business Faculty Fellow Program will be made to junior faculty who have demonstrated research promise and provided clear evidence of high-level research productivity potential. It will support untenured assistant professors in Price College and support their publication of research findings in professional journals.
"We are grateful for this generous gift from Bob and Carol Stoops," said Price College of Business Dean Kenneth Evans. "Their commitment to supporting faculty in the early stages of their career development is particularly vital to both faculty recruiting and retention efforts. Since my arrival at OU, I have been impressed with the collaboration between OU athletic programs and the campus academic community. The Bob Stoops Faculty Fellow Program will provide valuable resources to assist the college in addressing this priority."
Coach Stoops will not update Bradford's status 'day-to-day': Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops swears he's not "trying to be coy," but during his weekly press luncheon, he was having nothing to do with questions about quarterback Sam Bradford. "I just don't want Sam to have to deal with the pressure of everybody's expectations. It's just not fair," Stoops said. "The bottom line is it'll be day-to-day as he improves. "I'm not gonna detail day-to-day." After practice on Monday, offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson and wide receiver Ryan Broyles each revealed that Bradford had begun practicing, suiting up and going through drills, albeit with short throws only. "I'm a little disappointed our players had so much to say," Stoops said. "Not that we're at all trying to be coy or anything that's behind the scenes." (Tulsa World)
Mike Stoops is giving advice on BYU in preparation for Saturday's game: BYU's last opponent -- in the 2008 Las Vegas Bowl -- was Arizona, a team coached by OU coach Bob Stoops' brother, Mike Stoops . Another brother, Mark Stoops , is Arizona's defensive coordinator. Rest assured that the brothers have talked about BYU, Bob Stoops said. "I am close enough with my brother that we are going to talk about a common opponent. So, yeah, we definitely did," Stoops said. "When you are playing a team you don't have a lot of familiarity with, where you don't play the year in and year out, you talk to other people who do." BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall said that after watching Oklahoma film, he has noticed a lot of "philosophical" similarities between OU and Arizona. "Knowing that it is a coaching family, we are certainly not underestimating the transfer of knowledge from one program to the other, so we are not going to be an unknown to them," Mendenhall said. "Nor would I assume that they are putting extra, undue emphasis on us." (Salt Lake Tribune)
The first weekly Bob Stoops press conference of the 2009 season is scheduled for today at 12:05 CT and is streaming live via SoonerSports.com. Or available on local radio stations WWLS The Sports Animal and Sports Talk 1400AM The Ref. If you miss it live, I'll post video later this afternoon.
Follow Oklahoma Sooners Blog on Twitter @Oklafootball
Stoops says WR Jameel Owens needs to make improvements: During his session with the media, Bob Stoops singled out sophomore Jameel Owens as someone who has work to do to make the wide-receiving rotation. Owens is a candidate to fill one of the vacant starting spots at wide receiver, or at least be a significant contributor in a reserve role. But Friday, it didn't sound like Owens was on track for either. "Jameel needs to make a lot of improvement," Stoops said. Stoops, however, wouldn't go into details. "There are just some things right now that he isn't where he needs to be," he said. (The Oklahoman)
Halze now an OU graduate assistant: Joey Halzle, Bradford's backup the previous two years, now is a graduate assistant, working in quality control. He'll break down film, prepare scouting reports, that kind of thing. "I really wanted to get into coaching," Halzle said. "Not a better place to start than getting your foot in the door at OU. "I always said, I didn't think I could have a regular job. I wanted to be involved in football. It's a passion of mine." (The Oklahoman)
Toby Rowland named Oklahoma football sideline reporter: Oklahoma will be adding a new voice to its football radio broadcast team. KWTV's Toby Rowland will be the Sooners' new sideline reporter, the school announced Wednesday. "I am truly honored," said Rowland, who replaces former OU tight end Trent Smith on the sidelines. "Working with OU has been a thrill the last several years. And to get the opportunity to join the broadcast team during such an exciting time for Sooner athletics is humbling." (The Oklahoman) More on Sooner Radio Network on the media page.
Stoops visits Nick Saban: Bob Stoops had defensive coordinator Brent Venables and secondary coach Bobby Jack Wright accompany him on the private flight to Alabama. The three OU coaches spent "an entire day" watching video tape with Saban and his assistants. "We also worked on different wrinkles in each other's defense that should help both teams," Stoops said. When the Stoops-Saban Summit was confirmed, most assumed the two defensive gurus had huddled to discuss ways to stop the offensive expertise of Florida head coach Urban Meyer, who has won two of the last three BCS national titles. "They've always played really good defense," Stoops said of Saban-coached teams. "And we have that same reputation. "But it's funny how sometimes you see something differently through someone else's view. Or how they project it to you, and it makes sense." It's long been a practice for coaches to swap information in the offseason. Earlier this week, Stoops sent his entire staff to spend two days in the training camp of the NFL's New Orleans Saints. (Tulsa World)
Oklahoma's Sam Bradford, Gerald McCoy, Jermaine Gresham and Bob Stoops video from various media outlets at Big 12 media days in Irving, TX.
From ESPN.com
From FOXSports.com
<a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/video?vid=1dfc268f-79eb-4f81-a4f5-037f35e509db&from=IV2_en-us_foxsports_videocentral" target="_new" title="Big 12 Media Day: Oklahoma">Video: Big 12 Media Day: Oklahoma</a>
University of Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops to vote in coaches poll: After sitting out last year in somewhat of a protest vote over all the politicking of coaches, Stoops returns to the voting panel in the USA Today coaches poll. "You don't need to make a point twice," he said. When someone suggested that his absence from last year's poll could have hurt Oklahoma's chances in such a razor-thin difference between OU and Texas, Stoops said, "It didn't help." (Austin-American Statesman)
Stoops not counting wins: Over the past nine seasons, Bob Stoops has won 102 games, more than any coach in major college football. While the 2009 Sooners are primed to keep him atop the elite, Stoops said he's not taking part in the counting. "I don't much pay attention to that," Stoops said. "Counting things up just doesn't matter to me. I enjoy the process. I enjoy the games. I enjoy the competition. Love seeing the players every day. You get to be in a challenging situation every week. "That's just not my style to worry about any of that. In the end, there will be a record -- so what? I'm going to do the best I can with good people, have some fun and hopefully do well." (The Oklahoman)
Bob Stoops set to receive $30 million through 2015 plus bonuses: Football coach Bob Stoops and basketball coach Jeff Capel have received new contract extensions featuring stay bonuses aimed at keeping them at Oklahoma long term. Regents governing the university voted Wednesday to approve the new contracts that would keep both of the coaches in charge of the Sooners for seven more seasons. Stoops' new deal would pay him more than $30 million through the end of 2015. He would earn a total of $3.675 million next season, including an annual stay bonus of $700,000 that rewards him for staying through usual coaching hiring season. He will get the bonus in October this season, but in July in subsequent years. (AP/USA Today)
Stoops among OU coaches to have raises considered during regents meeting: Most of Oklahoma's high-profile athletic coaches and OU athletic director Joe Castiglione could receive raises this week. OU regents are meeting for their annual retreat in Ardmore and will vote on potential raises on Wednesday. Coaches listed on the meeting agenda for potential raises include football's Bob Stoops, men's basketball's Jeff Capel, women's basketball's Sherri Coale, baseball's Sunny Golloway, softball's Patty Gasso, men's gymnastics' Mark Williams and wrestling's John Spates. (KFSM)
Stoops one of the fittest coaches in NCAA: ESPN.com's Bruce Feldman writes Bob Stoops - Like a lot of coaches, Stoops tries to stay in shape by getting his workout in during the noon hour and does a combination of weights, stairmaster and a lot of swimming.(ESPN.com)
Stoops, Gundy high-paid public college or university employee: Two of the highest paid college and university employees in Oklahoma are coaches, a Tulsa World analysis found. University of Oklahoma head football coach Bob Stoops topped the list, earning more than $230,000 by late February, according to a payroll database maintained by the Oklahoma Office of State Finance. Oklahoma State University head football coach Mike Gundy ranked second, pulling in $150,000 as of Feb. 27. The Office of State Finance maintains rolling payroll data for state higher education employees. It does not maintain annual salary data. To get that information, a person must contact the individual college or university, said Jennie Pratt, accounting manager for the Office of State Finance. Pratt said the office doesn't collect salary data because it doesn't have the authority (higher education employees are treated differently than state agency employees) and because payroll data is more accurate. Payroll takes into account overtime, bonuses, pay for additional shifts and other measures that could increase or decrease how much a person makes. "Payroll is true information," Pratt said. "Salary is a projection." According to state data, Stoops and Gundy earn far more than their universities' presidents do. In the first two months of 2009, Stoops made about $200,000 more than OU President David Boren did, data show. Gundy pulled in about $120,000 more than OSU President Burns Hargis did. (More at Tulsa World)
"It's a disappointing and hurtful time; I know everyone's heard about the accident with Corey Wilson, or if you haven't, it's a tragic accident. We're all just praying for Corey and his family. It's a really difficult time. Medically, what was out from his family I'm not going to elaborate on anything else than what was said yesterday. We're all just continuing to pray for him and have him in our thoughts and his family."
Stoops on Oklahoma's offensive line
"Offensive line, of course losing four of the five starters from a year ago, that's where another major issue will be, and we'll see. Those guys are at this point, it's just everything, whether it's with their work ethic, their attitude, those things need to improve. They haven't had the winter everyone else has had. They right now are the weak link of the team and we'll see if they can respond and have any kind of spring and summer to help us be a team that can contend for a Big 12 Championship.
Stoops on Oklahoma's special teams
"Overall, I think special teams-wise, same thing. I expect us to improve. Tress Way will start off taking over for Mike Knall in punting. Through the year last year I thought he did a nice job and he's had a good winter too with kickoffs, field goals, all of that. We expect Jimmy [Stevens] to be better, but I also expect Matt Moreland and Tress Way to be better. Also we have a newcomer in Bryce Easley coming in from Norman North who is a guy that we're excited about as well. I do feel that overall those positions will be improved for us, and that'll be a big plus as well."
Box expected to miss spring practice: Oklahoma linebacker Austin Box is expected to miss spring practice due to elbow surgery, coach Bob Stoops said Wednesday. Box dislocated the elbow as a senior at Enid High School, and injured it again last year causing him to miss most of spring practice. Box, a rising sophomore, has battled several injuries since coming to Norman. (The Oklahoman)
Stoops reaction to Williams, Gresham, Bradford return: In addition to Sam Bradford's announcement that he plans to remain at Oklahoma, two other Sooners also announced that they plan to play for the Sooners next year. Both tight end Jermaine Gresham and Trent Williams said they will return for the 2009 season. Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy announced earlier that he also will return. "We are pleased that these players are returning to our program," said OU head coach Bob Stoops. "They understand the value of gaining another year of experience and improving their position in the draft along with the value of either finishing their degree or being within a few hours of completing it. "I also think our players recognize the opportunities we have as a program to pursue more championships and that's something that means a lot to all of us." (SoonerSports.com)
Stoops not a candidate in Denver: Bob Stoops can coach the Bowl Championship Series title game tonight in peace. The Oklahoma coach was telling the truth this week when he said he's not a candidate for the Broncos' head coaching position. An NFL source with knowledge of the Broncos' search confirmed Wednesday night Stoops is not under consideration. (Denver Post) via ProFootballTalk.com
Davis at 100 percent: Sooner defensive end Alan Davis said he feels 100 percent and is ready to go Thursday. Davis suffered a knee sprain at Texas A&M and missed OU's last three games. "I feel good," Davis said. "Knee's not sore or anything. Just a matter of getting back my conditioning, getting back to game speed." (The Oklahoman)
Stoops calls for extra help: Florida figures to have a crowd edge tonight, but Stoops is ready to recruit any neutral ticket-holders to his side. "There's a whole lot of 'Cane fans (Miami U.), and I'm calling on all the Hurricane and Seminole (Florida State) fans that are down here to root for us," Stoops said. "That won't be hard, I don't think." Said Lewis, "Whatever people we've got screaming for OU, they're a fan of mine." (The Oklahoman)
Governors' wager: University of Oklahoma football fans should be hoping Gov. Brad Henry will be getting a shipment of Florida oranges. Florida Gov. Charlie Crist made a friendly, handshake wager on Wednesday to send Henry some Florida oranges if the Sooners defeat the University of Florida in tonight's college football national title game, said Henry's spokesman, Paul Sund. Henry agreed to send Crist some Oklahoma beef if the Gators win, Sund said. (The Oklahoman)
Coach Bob Stoops focused on Oklahoma football team: Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops denied a report on Saturday saying he has been contacted by the Denver Broncos about their head coaching vacancy. Speaking after practice at Barry University, Stoops said he was unaware about a story in the Denver Post that claimed the Broncos had interest in him replacing Mike Shanahan. Shanahan was fired last week. Stoops, who is preparing his team to face Florida in Thursday's BCS National Title game Thursday at Dolphin Stadium, called the report just speculation. "That's a rumor that I haven't heard," Stoops said. "No one has contacted me about that so I don't know anything about it. We're preparing for a national championship and that's all my focus and that's all my concentration is on. Obviously, I'm not a candidate or someone might have told me other than (the media)." (Sun-Sentinel)
Bob Stoops among Denver coaching candidates: High atop the Broncos' wish list is believed to be Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops, who is preparing his second-ranked Sooners to face No. 1 Florida in the BCS championship game in Miami on Thursday. It will be his fourth shot at the national title in a decade at the school.Another intriguing possibility is Dallas offensive coordinator Jason Garrett, who turned down offers last winter from Baltimore and Atlanta after the Cowboys made him the highest-paid coordinator at $3 million with the promise he'd be head coach Wade Phillips's successor.Denver is planning to interview Garrett at some point next week, the team said Friday. (Associated Press)
Bob Stoops receives $3 million incentive bonus: Stoops is scheduled to receive a one-time payment of $3 million that will push his compensation package to over $6 million for this season. The OU coach's contract, signed in 2005, calls for Stoops to earn $2.775 million this year. Of that, only his $220,000 base salary is paid by the school. The remaining $2.555 million comes for personal services for TV appearances, shoe, apparel and other endorsements and $580,000 for speaking engagements and fundraising appearances that is paid by the Sooner Club -- the school's fundraising organization, which operates on private donations and doesn't use school funds. OU’s 12-1 season has also initiated an additional $335,000 in performance bonuses. Another $100,000 would be added if the Sooners win the national championship. All told, Stoops could earn over $6.2 million. (Norman Transcript) More can be found at Tulsa World.com
