Sooner surprise: Oklahoma’s Stoops retires at 56

NORMAN, Okla. — Like a well-executed blitz, Bob Stoops shocked the college football world.

Oklahoma’s football coach abruptly announced his retirement Wednesday after leading the Sooners to 10 conference championships and a national title in 18 seasons.

The 56-year-old Stoops was the longest-tenured active coach in major college football, taking the job at Oklahoma a day before Kirk Ferentz started at Iowa.

He went 190-48 (.798) at Oklahoma in his only college head-coaching job, giving him more victories than Sooners greats Barry Switzer (157) and Bud Wilkinson (145).

With his success and the school’s winning tradition came pressure. Many in the restless fan base were frustrated that the Sooners hadn’t won a national title since 2000, even though Stoops’ teams played for three more national titles during his tenure.

Stoops appreciated the run, and all that came with it.

“I’m not sad at all,” he said. “To everything, there is a season. It’s time, and that’s OK. I feel more grateful and appreciative and blessed that I had 18 1/2 years doing this with great people, great fan base, an incredible, legendary school, that I got this opportunity. It’s been a great ride. I’m happy about it. I’m more happy about that than I am sad that this day is here. It went fast.”

Stoops will stay on as a special assistant to the athletic director. Aside from that, he has an open mind about his future.

Offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley, 33, is getting a promotion, making him the youngest head coach in FBS.

“The time is now because Lincoln Riley will provide a seamless transition as the new head coach, capitalizing on an excellent staff that is already in place and providing familiarity and confidence for our players,” Stoops said. “Now is simply the ideal time for me and our program to make this transition.”