Bob Stoops rumored to be in running for USC job
LOS ANGELES (BVM) — The USC Trojans are in the process of finding a new head coach after firing Clay Helton following the loss to Stanford this past week. Helton had been the head coach at USC since 2015.
That was fast: USC has fired coach Clay Helton.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 13, 2021
But here is one name fans should keep an eye on: Bob Stoops.
Stoops, who was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame this year, was asked about the opening and he didn’t give a definite no.
“I’m enjoying my opportunity to work with Fox. I love watching my sons — one’s playing and one’s on the sidelines coaching,” Stoops said in an interview with ESPNU Radio, Channel 84. “But in life, you just never know whatever fits you just perfectly. And I’m not saying this does. They’re going to go through a list of coaches that are already on the field that probably can’t even talk to them until the season’s over. I didn’t ask for my name to be attached to this, but I can’t help it that it is.”
Stoops holds the record for career wins at Oklahoma with 190. He also holds a Big 12 Conference record with 121 wins. Stoops would also go on to win 10 Big 12 titles. No other conference program won more than two during Stoop’s tenure. He also went 60-30 against AP Top 25 teams, which was the best in the nation.
“As a son of an all-time, lifelong high school coach, no one appreciates the game of football and the coaching profession more than I do,” Stoop said in a statement released by the Oklahoma athletic department.
“Football is the ultimate team game with so many pieces that must be put together, and nobody can have success by themself. It takes everybody contributing. Certainly, that was the case for me,” Stoops said. “Ultimately, though, the dedication and hard work of the players is what wins, and I am so appreciative of all of the guys who played for me.”
Stoops actually returned to the sidelines to coach the XFL team, the Dallas Renegades, but more recently joined Fox Big Noon Kickoff after Urban Meyer left to coach the Jacksonville Jaguars.
But now, one of the most distinguished coaching jobs in college football is now open. Though no one has actually confirmed that Stoops is being targeted for the job, it wouldn’t be surprising if the all-time great coach is being considered for the job.
