Because he was a former defensive coordinator in Gainesville and has been successful as head coach in Oklahoma, Bob Stoops’ name was bound to crop up in connection with Florida’s search for a new coach to replace the retiring Urban Meyer. Stoops name was already mentioned after Steve Spurrier resigned, after Ron Zook was fired and in the 24 hours last year when Meyer briefly retired.

So in some respects, it wasn’t really surprising when some Florida-centric websites started reporting that Stoops was working on the final details of a contract with the Gators. It also wasn’t surprising when Stoops quickly knocked down the rumors.

When the World contacted Stoops via text, asking him to respond to the report, he replied in a text: “Not true, whatsoever.

“I’m out recruiting as we text.”

Out recruiting — IN GAINESVILLE, maybe? No, that would be too obvious. We’re sure he’s in Orlando, right? Hey, you heard it here first …