Berry Tramel, Sports columnist

Read more columns by Berry Tramel. Or visit Berry's blog

Contact Berry -- E-mail: btramel@opubco.com. Phone: (405) 475-3313.

Is NFL Stoops' next stop?
Which pro team would be able to lure Sooners' coach?

By Berry Tramel
Published: January 4, 2007

Three NFL coaching jobs have opened, with more to come. That means more speculation on whether Bob Stoops might be tempted to jump to the NFL.

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In all likelihood, not. But you never know.

Here are the possible vacancies and their potential attractiveness to Stoops.

Arizona: Weak. The Cardinals fired Dennis Green, but Bill Bidwill ranks among the worst owners in professional sports.

Atlanta: Weak. The Falcons fired Jim Mora Jr. but are an historically mediocre franchise, and their current roster is nothing special. Owner Arthur Blank appears to be solid, but no coach other than Dan Reeves has had any real success.

Dallas: Moderate. An early playoff exit could prompt Bill Parcells to step down, or Jerry Jones to step him down. Jones can't be easy to work for, but he wants to win at all costs, which puts him ahead of some owners.

Miami: Strong. This is an enviable job, because of owner Wayne Huizenga (provided he doesn't sell) and the Dolphins' long history of contention. And Stoops likes Florida.

New York Giants: Moderate. Tom Coughlin has the Giants in the playoffs, but the team is in disarray.

Oakland: Weak. Who knows whether Art Shell will be back after one year in his second go-round as the Raider coach?

Pittsburgh: Strong. Bill Cowher is expected to walk away from the best coaching job in professional sports. The Steelers always have a contending roster, and Pittsburgh is only 80 miles from Youngstown, Ohio, Stoops' hometown.

Tampa Bay: Moderate. Jon Gruden might survive a 4-12 season, but if he doesn't, this isn't a bad job.


Big 12 football
The quality of Big 12 football was poor during 2006. Then the bowl season arrived, and it got worse.

The Big 12 went 3-5 in bowls. Among the six power conferences, only the Big Ten has a worse record, and if Ohio State beats Florida in the Big Bowl, then the Big Ten passes the Big 12.

But the Big 12's bowl performance is worse under the microscope. While the Big 10 Ten's two bowl victories came over Arkansas and Tennessee, the Big 12's three bowl wins came over Alabama, Minnesota and Iowa.

'Bama's record? 6-6. Minnesota's record? 6-6. Iowa's record? 6-6.

That's right. The Big 12 didn't beat a bowl foe with a winning record. And those victories were by a whisker. OSU beat Alabama and Texas Tech by Minnesota by a field goal; Texas survived Iowa 26-24.

Which means the Big 12's best victory of the entire season remains Kansas' 13-7 win over South Florida. This was a bad year for Big 12 football. The bowl results only reinforced that truth.


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I think the sooners did a great job this year. The bowl lost was disappointing, but they out played us most of the game. I hope we can cut out the stupid calls on first down that didn't work or cause turnovers. We should run the football on 1st down with our line which should be much better next year. We won't need a super performance by the Q back next year if our line keeps improving and running backs do the same. our Defense was great the 2nd half of the year and should be again next year. We have to beat Texas and found out this year that without Young, they wern't that good and we should have beat them; we would have if we played at the end of the year. Bob, don't be tempted by any pro offers, you have the best job in the country, I'm not saying that because I grew up in OK, but for the simple reason that OK has won more games and as many championships as any team since WW 2. If we get a good performance from Q-back next year and we improve the way we should, I believe we will be in the hunt come the end of season for another title. Last but not least, if this Fiesta bowl doesn't prove anything else, we need a playoff system once and for all!
James, Oakland - Jan 11, 2007 9:43 PM
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That why we let oklahoma win the big 12 championship we did not want to go to the Fiesta Bowl and get beat by Boise State. Way to bronco
mel, oklahoma city - Jan 9, 2007 3:42 PM
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I may be a little different than most OU fans. I have enjoyed watching OU more the last couple of year than ever before. Sure I liked the championship team and the winning seasons. But the last couple of years we have seen a bunch of young men playing for the love of football. I think Stoops brings that mind set to the table because it is also his. Win or loose these guys played the best they could and we should appreciate that. As far as the assistant coaches maybe instead of being conservative they were as intivative as they could be with young players and with an inexperanced QB. Us wait till next year and see what happens with and experanced team. But remember that we will again have an enexperanced QB. Can't peole watch sooner football for the pleasure intended. After all the loosing team doesn't get thrown into the lions den as punishment. Stoops I think you did a great job in entertaining us this year. And hope for many more years like the past two.
Jim, Oklahoma City - Jan 8, 2007 11:47 AM
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Some of you make me sick, pull your head out of your rear and read!

Sabin, Spurrier, Carol, Callahan and others have all coached in the NFL and chose to coach in the college ranks; WHY? It is fun! Who wants to coach a bunch of cry baby millionaires who like T.O. only cares about himself and bad mouths other players and coaches.

Bob Stoops in not going to leave the Oklahoma Sooners to coach in the NFL for the same money or just a little more with a lot more B.S.

Bob has one of the best winning percentages in college today; sure he has lost the BCS 3 out of four times, but hell Bob has only been at Oklahoma for six years!

Bob is not leaving; all he really needs right now is HIS BROTHER MIKE TO RETURN TO COACH DEFENSE.

Mike sucks as a head coach and must return to help his brother!

In less than ten years; there will be a structure located on campus with BOB STOOPS name on it.

THE BOB STOOPS SPORTS CENTER


brian, Midwest City - Jan 7, 2007 2:07 PM
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OU is very fortunate to have Stoops as their coach. He is a winner, but he is not ready for the NFL. One recruiting recommendation...don't just look at the 40 yd. dash times, look for higher ACT/SAT scores. It's getting to the point where any team can execute a trick play to perfection against the Sooners. Go Sooners in '07!
Philip, Sioux City - Jan 6, 2007 2:13 PM
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If Stoops were to make the jump to the NFL it would be a huge loss for Oklahoma football. Both his and his coaches do an outstanding job of directing these young as mentors and teaching that life isn't just about football. I am a rabid OU fan and sure, I want national titles every year, but these young men are in college for an education. Stoops and company do an outstanding job with their part. If we lose Stoops to the NFL, the pro's are the winners here, not us.
GINA, Yukon - Jan 6, 2007 1:49 PM
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The National Championship team was John Blake's players NOT Stoop's .His recruiting is the suspect every year
Joe - Jan 6, 2007 7:22 AM
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I too have been a Sooner fan for many years, started in the 50's when I lived in W.F. Texas. The passion has never died. In the good bad and Great years. Give our guys and coaches some credit. Yes maybe we could use some different assistants but look at all those who left for head positions. Don't get me wrong, I like Cale but he couldn't come thru when he played for us. I remember one spring break when he promised a texas win. Didn't happen. 07 will be good tho. Praise The Lord for Oklahoma Sooner Football. Life without it would be so boring. God Bless
Don, Morelia, Mx - Jan 5, 2007 5:55 PM
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The time between the championship game and OU's bowl appearance I think was the culprit. OU was on a hot streak and I believed the time cooled the desire and hunger. A.D. was an ill fitted puzzle piece. The guys hadn't played with him in
months. I also believe that A.D. doesn't know how to pick his holes. He's having trouble in this area. Bob Stoops has a monkey on his back! That monkey is called BCS bowl appearances!

Let's see how well Ohio State performs in Monday night's game! We need a better defense than playing zone!
Cassandra
CASSANDRA, frederick - Jan 5, 2007 3:19 PM
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Where were all these whiners last year after we went 7 and 4, beating Oregon in the Holiday Bowl? The truth is, that people vote for president the same way they talk about their team's football coach. It all depends on the state of their digestion at that point, and if they have gas, then they blow it. If not, then all is well. This season ended with a loss that unschooled laymen consider "embarassing," but which the discerning view as a stepping stone. This Sooners team started 13 freshmen last year, nearly as many sophomores this year, and will be very mature next year. What we saw in the Fiesta Bowl was nothing more than a team of seniors using their savvy to best a more talented team of underclassmen. Stop measuring every Sooners team against the Dvorek, Harris, Cody defense of the Jason White era. That was a very special collection of men on one team. We're spoiled, y'all! Grab a pacifier and suck on it! But our coach and his boys rock, and I really look forward to next year. Oh, yeah, best of luck Adrian. Thanks for your character, passion, and legendary TD runs. You will be long remembered, unlike other superstars on this team who were less team-oriented (i.e. Marcus Dupree).
Jon, Bartlesville - Jan 5, 2007 12:53 PM
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I hope Stoops stays for a long time. Last week, everybody is talking about how this is his best coaching job ever and now he and his assistants have forgotten how to coach. Howard, Notre Dame played 3 quality teams(Michigan,USC,LSU)and got drilled by all three.But I guess beating all 3 service academies is pretty good.I have faith that Stoops and his staff will have the Sooners back again next year.BOOMER SOONER!
Daryn, Plano - Jan 5, 2007 12:27 PM
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On Stoops jumping to the NFL....don't you have anything better to do than write speculation.
louis, friendswood - Jan 5, 2007 10:44 AM
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Surprise, surprise, surprise. We didn't win a national championship. A fluke last year; A big twelve team beat USC. Things are back to normal.

The local news media like always build up the big twelve teams to be more than they are. Oklahoma hasn't beat USC in 5 or 6 tries. Maybe we need to get a little stronger schedule to learn how to play the big boys. Compare our schedule to USC or Notre Dame.
What jr college will be our next unbeatable foe?
Howard, Oklahoma City - Jan 5, 2007 10:19 AM
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Can we give speculation a break? Everyone gets a burr under their saddle when it is "rumored" that someone is leaving to go to the pros. Has anyone thought of asking (and I'll pick on Mr. Peterson), "Sir, what would you like to do?" Everyone gets a lot of exercise by jumping to conclusions. Has anyone stopped to think that Mr. Peterson just MIGHT stay and play his senior year in order to complete his education? He was smart enough to go to OU in the first place. I'm sure he'll make the right decision for him. Coach Stoops is a mentor whether he sets out to be one or not. My son had the opportunity to meet him this past summer, and although my son had respect for Coach before, by being able to speak with Coach for a few minutes, those few minutes helped to open my son's eyes to a lot more than "it's just a football game." Knowing that Coach Stoops took time out of his busy schedule to speak with a junior football player from a small Kansas town says a lot to my son. Integrity, honesty, being able to hold one's head high in the midst of adversity . . all those things elevate the OU athletic programs to a higher level. My two sons have looked to Coach Stoops as to how they want to model themselves when they become coaches. With that type of mindset, I know they will do well. My family has been an OU fan for many years. I plan on being behind OU until I can't any longer.
Shelly, Onaga - Jan 5, 2007 10:14 AM
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Stoops & Staff: Out coached & over paid. Dear Mr. Boren: When Stoops comes in your office & points to the deal Sabin got & extorts you for a raise, please tell him to take a hike.
Xavier, Benson - Jan 5, 2007 9:49 AM
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Yes it was a down year for our conference. OSU and OU are both very young teams. Texas has only one qb. Texas Tech is also young and improving. Both Kansas schools have been inconsistant at best. Baylor is Baylor...? A&M & NU are coming on strong and will be tough to handle the next couple of years.
2007 will be a good year for our conference...2006 will be forgotten.
Alan, Brandon - Jan 5, 2007 9:17 AM
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Love Bob Stoops, Sooners, and college football! Great game and hate having all this time, 32 weeks, until we start playing again. Anyone want to sale me their Texas tickets? Didn't think so. Go Sooners and thanks for a great season! Do the Paris twins play football?
Robert, Denver - Jan 5, 2007 8:52 AM
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I wish people on websites with comments could come up with some good and valid points instead of utter stupidity. As a graduate of of OU in 2004 i have to tell you that i have seen it all under COACH Bob Stoops. He is a class act and our program is very lucky to have him and to have him for this long so far. I hope he stays for a long time and helps our program achieve 2 or more national titles. For everyone trying to say that Bob Stoops has lost it, you are gravely mistaken, he is a winner a human being that was born to be a coach! He made this team overcome adversity this season and used what he had in Paul Thompson to get to the first goal in OU Football (Win the Conference Championship). Football is sometimes a weird game and the game against BSU was a classic weird game, but Coach Stoops kept his team fighting to come out with a win, so what if they lost on three trick plays, the comeback and sooner magic to come back is what we should be talking about, the balls to put the defense out again instead of going for it on fourth down with little time left to get the ball back was amazing. That decision was perfect, the defense did their job and the offense came back and punched it in with a two point conversion. Coach Stoops is a wonderful coach with a marvelous background, the best thing about Coach Stoops is his passion for Oklahoma Football and Tradition. So to everyone out there who doesnt want him to stay then i really dont think you are a true sooner fan or not even an alumni.
nav, tulsa - Jan 5, 2007 6:57 AM
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Good stuff about the possibility of Stoops going to the NFL. (I hope he does. Good for us.)
Don, Stillwater - Jan 5, 2007 6:45 AM
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I believe Bob Stoops' best days at OU have yet to come, and I wish that these so called fans that can't seem to endure a close loss would get a life. Think about this, OU now has another great game to add to its lore, a game that this nation will talk about for years to come, just like the "game of the century" and if I remember correctly, we came out on the losing end of that one as well. Lastly, if I ever had a son, I would want him to be like Paul Thompson, what a fantastic young man! He truly understood and lived the motto of team first. His lack of selfishness shall always stand as a testament to all that is good about OU athletics.
Larry, Tulsa - Jan 5, 2007 1:48 AM
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I grew up in Oklahoma and have been a Sooner fan since 1948. I've seen the ups and downs all these years. Games we should have won and didn't. Bob Stoops in one class act. So he dosn't win a national championship every year. Who do's? I hope he stays for years. Who would the idiot boo birds get for a coach? What coach beats Texas or any other team every year? Is the great job done this year overlooked? Getting rid of cheaters was one class act, I guess the gripers would rather cheat & win. 11 and 3 is a bad year? how many 3-8, 5-7, 6-6, 7-5, & 8-4 teams would love to have accomplished what OU did is the face of disappointments. What class the players exhibited especially Paul Thompson. Stoops style has surely rubbed off on this young men. For all the redneck manure slinging aggies did You beat OU?? As for Trashing Tramel he's not from the great State Of Oklahoma and has always trashed OU. Who cares about his trash.

Go Sooners
Larry, Pensacola - Jan 4, 2007 11:41 PM
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Do Sooner fans remember the '90's? The head football coaching position was a revolving door, with Schellenbarger (sp?) as my nomination for one of the all-time worst coaches. Coach Stoops was/is a breath of fresh air to your football program, lest you forget. In Idaho, Bronco fans think he handled the loss with class and dignity. Those character traits go a long way.

Funny thing about the comments on this thread:
Some complain about how boring Sooners' offensive plays look (agreed, the Fiesta Bowl shows they're pretty predictable) and then say the Broncos "resort to tricky plays to pull out the game." Watch and learn; it's just good football backed by plenty of focus on winning. THAT is why BSU led all but the last two minutes of the game. And that is why they won. I watched the game from the 10-yard line where OT took place and read the Statue of Liberty play the whole way. OU fell for three tricks in a row. As the saying goes, "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me." What is it for "Fool me three times in 10 minutes."?
paula, Eagle - Jan 4, 2007 10:13 PM
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Stoops has done well at OU. But if luck hadn't helped this season, putting OU in a BCS bowl- y'all would be calling for his head. This could very easily been a "no bowl" season.
Kyle, Oklahoma City - Jan 4, 2007 10:11 PM
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Tramel is just wishfully thinking. He's still mad at Bob for locking him out of fall practices. Stoops has proved to be an honorable man and role model to the young men that play for him. He is a winner and I hope he stays till he retires. As for you Tramel, don't go away mad. Just go away!
Ben - Jan 4, 2007 9:58 PM
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Boise State is a very good football team they have gone undefeated for two years and they should have had the chance to play for the National title. They played a great game and the play calling was great. We just missed the play and should have made the plays to stop them we just did not do a good job defending.
David, Auburn - Jan 4, 2007 9:51 PM
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Those who say the Sooners weren't prepared well didn't watch the same game I did. Paul Thompson is a great leader but his arm isn't his greatest gift, its his mind. He made some mistakes that had no bearing on preparation. Even with the mistakes OU battled back to take the lead. So i feel the players and the coaches all did their jobs. What some fail to accept is Boise State is a very good team who were motivated a bit more. I said even before the game any team that goes undefeated throughout their season deserves the chance at the national title every bit as much if not more so than a one loss Florida.
Geoff, Duncan - Jan 4, 2007 9:33 PM
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I have to give the Sooners credit for fighting back. The bottom line is, they had the toughest opponent of all the Big 12 bowl teams. How about those Broncos and Coach Pete and his staff! That was at least the most wild, exciting, and crazy game I have ever seen.
Randall, Idaho - Jan 4, 2007 8:57 PM
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Bob, my respect for you for being a great coach.
However the last few seasons, the offense has been a disappoinment - too predictable and lack of creativeness though.

Also the defensive players seems to be a lil too slow as compare to the 2000 national championship team.
Tony, glendale - Jan 4, 2007 8:56 PM
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i think Stoops is a great coach and yes the Fiesta bowl was a huge disappointment. i just think he needs to recruit tougher and better coaches on offense and defense! we need to get that fire and sooner magic back that he brought when he first came to OU. he just needs to put he pride aside and quit hiring all of his buddies!
Will, Scottsdale - Jan 4, 2007 8:26 PM
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wanna keep on losin' bowl games, then stick with Stoops.........
kent, oklahoma city - Jan 4, 2007 8:03 PM
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I too was very heart broken Monday night, wanted to flush every Sooner item I had but after the initial shock wore off, I realized that OU is not invinsible..WOA!! Yes, believe it or not fellow Sooner fans, OU will never be invinsible, no team is. OU will rise again to the top, yes, they will even play in another National Championship but as the saying goes..."What goes up must come down and what is down, fights like @#$%& to regain respect!"
Jimmy, Broken Arrow - Jan 4, 2007 7:33 PM
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Bob Stoops will never take an NFL job unless it's to his own control, so we can count out most of the openings. Yes indeed he needs to hire new assistants but it's the defense that needs help not the offense.
Jimmy, Broken Arrow - Jan 4, 2007 7:22 PM
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Jon, Cheyenne - Jan 4, 2007 7:17 PM
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Hopefully Bob Stoops will duplicate what Nick Saban is doing by remaining in the college ranks of coaching. Besides that Saban needs the competition so maybe Bob will remain at OU. It does not matter who Bob has returning in 07' as Bob could field a 8 man squad and develop winners regardless of their backgrounds. Bob Stoops is a WINNER!
Jon, Cheyenne - Jan 4, 2007 7:17 PM
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I love Coach Stoops and I hope he is OUs coach for 30 years. However, I would love to see him hire a better more creative up an coming offensive coordinator.
david, san diego - Jan 4, 2007 7:02 PM
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Bob Stoops is the best OU has had in years...he can mold his players into responsible men..we need him to remain !!! You, tramel,perhaps should go!...always against whatever the team does..like the rest of the media...tearing down..who needs you...we don't.
Boo, Salem,MA
Boo, Salem - Jan 4, 2007 6:52 PM
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Mike of Del City, I hope that Stoops and his co-ordinators really do motivate the players next year, especially for all of the games not just some of them.
Steve, Ketchum - Jan 4, 2007 6:46 PM
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Stoops will stay at OU, it will be a challenge next fall, but he can motivate his players, the QB is the only position that maybe tough to fill.
Mike, Del City - Jan 4, 2007 6:15 PM
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Bob Stoops is a class act. I would rather lose with him than win with cheaters and crooks. He showed true character and sportsmanship to dismiss a star quarterback and another starter without a twitch and then went to the BCS after a horrid start. He may have lost a little gunslinger play calling but no one says we do not have a great program. Now support Jeff Capel and watch OU basketball. Go Sooners.
Fake, Springsteen - Jan 4, 2007 5:54 PM
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Maybe Dean and Berry should move somewhere else!
jerry, Hephzibah - Jan 4, 2007 5:11 PM
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I for one have not forgotten those seasons that Blake was head coach. They were the worst that any football team could experience. Bob Stoops is a great coach and I am very glad that he is with Oklahoma!!!!!!!! Those fans that think Stoops should move on are just plain nuts!
jerry, Hephzibah - Jan 4, 2007 5:07 PM
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I believe that OU was the better team on the field in the Fiesta Bowl, had a few things went better they would have won that game. They played very sloppily. The Boise State Bronco's do deserve some credit, they worked their but off to win that game, OU was playing from behind the whole time, and so was not working as hard, I think that is why it got so sloppy. Had they not been on their heels, they could have easily out played the bronco's who had to resort to tricky plays to pull out the game.

Now that said, Bob Stoops might just move on. I know he denies ever being interested, but he has to deny it! Look at how Nick Saban handled his situation, he basically LIED and said, I am NOT taking that job, I am not interested in that job, then the very next week, he takes that Alabama Job! Boo him all you want, if he said, YES I am interested in that job he would have committed suicide if he had decided to NOT take the job.

If Bob Stoops decides to leave, I just hope he will say, I have no comment on that today.
or something like that. Don't lie, don't cheat and don't steal from your fans.

By being as honest as possible he will show how good of a coach he is, but staying at Oklahoma for the rest of his career is very unlikely!

I hope we keep him for a few more years, but he has been here a while and has not been able to duplicate his second season. He might just decide to try elsewhere. We never know what goes on inside his head.

Richard, McLoud - Jan 4, 2007 4:49 PM
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I sure hope Stoops stays, so he can win the National Championship again next year. Wouldn't mind seeing Adrian sticking it out as a Senior, to fully mature & take home the Heisman along with that National Championship Ring
Terry, Modesto - Jan 4, 2007 4:30 PM
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Stoops is not going anywhere. You can quit giving Dean fuel for the fire.
Robert, Clinton - Jan 4, 2007 4:20 PM
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Seriously, Dave in Oklahoma City? I mean, really, do you think that Stoops could be replaced, snap, and OU would perform better? Better than what?
As an OU alumni and season ticket holder, it is people like you that almost makes me embarassed to be a Sooner.
If Stoops goes, it won't be the end of the world. We will miss him and we may not have the success to which we have become accustomed, but we will survive.
Robert, Moore - Jan 4, 2007 4:20 PM
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The Cleveland Browns should at least be mentioned as a possiblity. They are coming off of another losing season, and it's possible Romeo Crennel would be gone if Stoops were available.
Tom, Berea - Jan 4, 2007 4:12 PM
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Speculation only happens because of the Media. Quit rocking the boat.
Russell, Oklahoma City - Jan 4, 2007 4:12 PM
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There is absolutely no reason to even be writing this column. Has Stoops' name been mentioned? Nowhere that I can find. And has he expressed any interest in any of these jobs? No. Might I remind everyone that Stoops turned down Florida and the Cleveland Browns, and Cleveland is only 73 miles from Youngstown! Berry has neglected actual sports news in favor of pure speculation designed to scare Sooner fans for no good reason.
Amanda, Norman - Jan 4, 2007 3:55 PM
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Seems like a lot of heartburn people out there have forgotten the years before Stoops. Must be related to the same guys that asked Switzer to quit? Even with Blake's recruiting, he couldn't do anything with the talent? Don't remember? Too bad, because OU was headed for the sewer (was already in it?)! Embarrassing losses? Look at Notre Dame (10 bowl losses in a row), Alabama will now spend $4 million a year for Nick Saban, etc! What happened to Texas with just a quarterback out for a few weeks? What you guys forget is anybody can beat anybody today when everything is clicking just right. OU didn't have Malcomb Kelly when they needed him most (injured in the first quarter). A small thing? Hardly! Malcomb was responsible for unbelievable catches and numerous TDs. OU played this season mostly with Freshmen and Sophomores; and they still made it to the BCS? Cut the coaches some slack and thank God we have the caleber of coaches we have. Next year we start without a seasoned quarterback, but look at all the talent around whoever will take the snaps. I'm already looking foward to next year; perhaps more of you should too? Go Sooners!
Walter, Houston - Jan 4, 2007 3:53 PM
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I think Stoops and company have done a good job with what they had to work with. The begining of the season didn't look this promising. Keep working on it! Go Sooners!!
Brennon, Granbury - Jan 4, 2007 3:44 PM
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I want Stoops to stay. Stoops is a great collegiate coach. I don't think that he will fair well in the NFL. He just needs to make some changes at defensive and offensive coordinator and get the Sooners back on track.
Shannon, FAFB - Jan 4, 2007 3:39 PM
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Stoops is over-rated and highly overpaid. OU wins a national championship with John Blake's players and Stoops gets the credit. When will Stoops ever get the blame for OU's embarrassing losses to K-State, LSU, USC, and yes TEXAS.
Get a coach who cares more about enhancing OKLAHOMA, than enhancing his own pocket book.
Dave, Oklahoma City - Jan 4, 2007 3:27 PM
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I hope Bob stays, as well. Somehow, though, they've got to learn from the BCS mistakes. Last year against Oregon was great because they were underdogs. Maybe a new defensive coordinator and a little more creative offensive coordinator?
Ken, Midwest City - Jan 4, 2007 3:22 PM
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I hope Stoops stays. He runs a good program. The loss to Boise St. can be expected. Being a coach, I can understand how difficult it is to get a team ready to play. The players heard everyday how "easy" the game was supposed to be.
Keith, California - Jan 4, 2007 2:50 PM
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Why even write this column, Berry? There has been speculation about Stoops going to the NFL for years, but he never goes. Hmmm, makes me wonder... Do you just want him to leave for the NFL so he can't call you (and the rest of our local media) out anymore for the stupid questions you guys ask in his press conferences?
Phillip, Oklahoma City - Jan 5, 2007 7:15 AM
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