:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55143249/usa_today_9651544.0.jpg)
Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops is retiring after 18 seasons. The Oklahoman first reported on Wednesday afternoon, that Stoops will inform his team of his retirement, and that Sooners offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley will take over as the team’s head coach.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8648885/usa_today_9690356.jpg)
Riley, 33, a native of Muleshoe, Texas, has been at OU for two seasons.
“Great young coach, the program’s in great shape,” the source said. “Good recruiting class. Got a great young coach that anybody would want to have, ready to go. He’s as good a coach as there in America, at this stage in his career.
“And Bob got to do it in his way. Doesn’t get any better than that.”
The newspaper added that Stoops will remain with the school “in some capacity.” Fox Sports’ Bruce Feldman also confirmed the news. Below is his full statement, courtesy of Stewart Mandel on Twitter.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8648551/Screen_Shot_2017_06_07_at_4.13.12_PM.png)
Bob Stoops told me he expects Lincoln Riley (@LincolnRiley) to be his successor. Said retirement is not about his health.
— Carey Murdock (@CareyWWLS) June 7, 2017
Stoops, the winningest head coach in Oklahoma history, has led the Sooners to a school-record 18 consecutive bowl berths, along with 10 Big 12 titles. He also holds the longest active streak of any FBS head coach while leading the program to eight or more victories each of the past 17 seasons.
He was previously tied with Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz as the longest tenured coach in college football. Both men began their tenures with the 1999 season.