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The Oklahoma football program has announced the firing of defensive coordinator Mike Stoops, the younger brother of former head coach Bob Stoops, following the Sooners’ disappointing loss to the Texas Longhorns.
Sooners head coach Lincoln Riley announced the news on Monday, Oct. 8.
“I have great respect for Mike,” Riley said in a statement. “He’s a quality football coach, great man and a close friend. It became time for a change in our program and that happens sometimes in football, but we cannot lose sight of the accomplishments Mike had at Oklahoma. He was responsible for a lot of success and deserves the gratitude of everyone associated with Sooner football, not only for his role in the winning, but for coaching with integrity.”
Lincoln Riley on Mike Stoops: pic.twitter.com/1bIJvcyF2K
— Jake Trotter (@Jake_Trotter) October 8, 2018
Ruffin McNeill will now serve as the defensive coordinator.
“Ruffin has an impressive résumé,” Riley said. “That’s why I wanted him on our staff in the first place. I have confidence in his knowledge and leadership. Bob has a lot of experience in very good programs and also has a list of accomplishments that will help him step in and make an immediate impact. We are fortunate to have these men in our program. They’ll be ready to get to work in new roles right away.”
Next up for No. 11 Oklahoma is a meeting with the TCU Horned Frogs on Saturday, Oct. 20 at Amon G. Carter Stadium.
