ESPN REPORT: NBA Full Court Press: A New NBA Champion Will Be Crowned Sunday on ABC as the Oklahoma City Thunder Host the Indiana Pacers in the First NBA Finals Game 7 in Nine Years…

Stoops, who led the Sooners from 1999 to 2016 and briefly returned as interim head coach in 2021, was recognized for his unparalleled contributions to the program’s success over nearly two decades. Under his leadership, Oklahoma secured 10 Big 12 titles and a national championship in 2000, re-establishing the program as a national powerhouse. “Bob Stoops is the foundation of modern Oklahoma football,” said OU Athletic Director Joe Castiglione. “His vision, integrity, and relentless pursuit of excellence have shaped this program into what it is today. This recognition is not just about wins and trophies — it’s about the culture he built.” As part of the honor, Stoops will have a permanent statue erected on the university’s “Coaches Walk,” alongside Sooner legends Barry Switzer and Bud Wilkinson. In addition, the team announced the naming of a new athletic complex in Stoops’ honor: the Bob Stoops Football Operations Center, set to open in 2026. Visibly moved by the tribute, Stoops addressed the crowd with characteristic humility. “I’ve always said it was never about me — it was about the players, the staff, the fans, and the tradition of Oklahoma football,” Stoops said. “But today, I’m truly honored and grateful. This program gave me more than I could ever repay.” Since retiring, Stoops has remained a vital part of the Oklahoma community, mentoring coaches, supporting the university’s NIL initiatives, and even stepping in as head coach of the XFL’s Arlington Renegades — winning the league championship in 2023. Current Sooners head coach Brent Venables, who served under Stoops for over a decade, praised his mentor during the event. “Coach Stoops showed us how to win with class and lead with heart,” Venables said. “He laid the groundwork, and everything we’re building now stands on his shoulders.” With this elevated honor, Bob Stoops’ name is etched even deeper into the history of Oklahoma football — a legacy not only of championships, but of leadership, loyalty, and the unwavering belief in what it means to be a Sooner