BREAKING NEWS: Oklahoma Sooners Legend Lee Roy Selmon Returns as Chief General Manager

In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the college football world, the University of Oklahoma has announced that Lee Roy Selmon, the legendary defensive end and icon of Sooners football, will return to the program in 2025 as Chief General Manager and Senior Coaching Advisor.

The announcement was made this morning in a press conference led by university president Joseph Harroz Jr., flanked by his family and several notable alumni.

“This is more than just a football decision — it’s a homecoming,” Harroz said emotionally. “Lee Roy Selmon is not just a legend. He is the very soul of Sooner pride. Today, we welcome him back — not just to the field, but to the heart of this institution.”

Selmon, who played for the Sooners from 1972 to 1975, is widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive players in college football history. He helped lead the team to back-to-back national championships in 1974 and 1975 and won the Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award in his senior year. He later became the first-ever draft pick for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and was inducted into both the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Despite his passing in 2011, today’s announcement declares his “spiritual and strategic return” to the program, with reports suggesting an AI-powered hologram likeness may be used to simulate coaching presence and offer leadership advice. A Sooners spokesperson added:

“Through advanced virtual intelligence and hours of historic film analysis, we’ve developed a leadership model based on Lee Roy Selmon’s principles. While it’s not him in the physical sense, the spirit, strategy, and leadership — that’s 100% Selmon.”

The move is part of a broader initiative by the Sooners athletic department to reinvigorate the program amid rising competition in the SEC. The new “Legacy Initiative” will involve historical icons guiding the team using modern technology and strategic philosophy.

Selmon’s return will also include a “Leadership Legacy Suite” in Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, where fans can interact with exhibits, AI simulations of his game film breakdowns, and motivational speeches crafted from his original interviews and writings.

While social media is ablaze with both amazement and confusion, fans are mostly reacting with joy.

“If anyone deserves to still be part of this program, it’s Lee Roy,” said former teammate and fellow Sooner great Dewey Selmon. “His impact never left — now, it’s just official.”

Critics have raised ethical and philosophical questions about using a late sports figure in this capacity, but the university insists that Selmon’s family has been deeply involved in every stage of development.

As the Sooners prepare for the 2026 season under the guidance of both current head coach Brent Venables and “virtual GM” Selmon, expectations are sky-high.

The legend may never wear the pads again — but in Norman, Oklahoma, Lee Roy Selmon is back where he belongs.