Bob Stoops is thrilled about Kevin Wilson joining the Oklahoma Sooners.

When it comes to college football, few programs boast a legacy as storied and rich as that of the Oklahoma Sooners. From Barry Switzer to Bob Stoops, the program has seen its fair share of iconic head coaches and pivotal assistants who have left indelible marks on both the history of the team and college football as a whole. As Oklahoma enters a new chapter with its evolving roster and coaching staff, one name has stood out in particular: Kevin Wilson, the new offensive coordinator for the Sooners.

Bob Stoops, the former head coach who led the Sooners to a national championship in 2000 and consistently kept Oklahoma at the pinnacle of college football, has expressed his enthusiastic support for Wilson’s arrival. For Stoops, Wilson’s hiring isn’t just a boost to the program—it’s a continuation of a tradition of excellence that Oklahoma has upheld for decades.

As a highly respected coach in his own right with a history of success at multiple programs, including Ohio State and Indiana, Wilson’s reputation precedes him. For Oklahoma fans and players alike, the excitement surrounding his addition to the Sooners’ coaching staff is palpable. For Stoops, who remains closely tied to the program he helped build into a powerhouse, Wilson represents the perfect fit to elevate the Sooners’ offense to new heights.

This article will dive into Stoops’ relationship with Wilson, his excitement about the new addition to the Oklahoma staff, and what Wilson’s offensive philosophy means for the future of Oklahoma football. By examining Wilson’s coaching background, Stoops’ endorsement, and the expectations surrounding Wilson’s role with the Sooners, we can better understand why Stoops is thrilled about this new chapter in Oklahoma’s storied history.

1. Bob Stoops and His Legacy with Oklahoma Football

Before we explore Stoops’ feelings about Kevin Wilson’s hiring, it’s important to understand the man himself and the impact he had on the program. Bob Stoops, who served as the head coach of Oklahoma from 1999 to 2017, is considered one of the most successful and influential coaches in college football history. Under Stoops’ leadership, the Sooners became one of the most dominant programs in the nation, winning a national championship in 2000, nine Big 12 championships, and consistently competing in high-stakes bowl games.

Stoops’ tenure was marked by an offense that consistently ranked among the nation’s best, but also by a strong emphasis on team discipline, player development, and program culture. Stoops understood that the key to sustained success was not just about having a high-powered offense or a shutdown defense—it was about cultivating an environment where players could thrive, both on and off the field.

In 2017, Stoops retired from coaching, but his legacy as one of college football’s greats has remained intact. Even after stepping down from his role as head coach, Stoops continued to stay involved in the Oklahoma football program. As an ambassador for the university and a regular figure in Norman, Stoops has maintained a close relationship with both the coaching staff and the players.

One of the most telling signs of Stoops’ ongoing involvement with the program came in 2022, when Stoops was invited back to serve as an interim head coach for the Sooners’ bowl game after the sudden departure of Lincoln Riley to USC. That episode not only underscored Stoops’ continued commitment to Oklahoma but also demonstrated the enduring respect and admiration he commands within the program. For Stoops, the Oklahoma Sooners are more than just a team; they are a family, and he remains deeply invested in their future.

2. Kevin Wilson’s Impressive Coaching Background

To understand why Bob Stoops is so enthusiastic about Kevin Wilson’s hiring, it’s important to take a look at Wilson’s credentials and experience. Kevin Wilson is a coach with a wealth of experience at both the college and NFL levels, and his career trajectory has positioned him as one of the most respected offensive minds in the game today.

Wilson’s journey began at North Carolina as a graduate assistant before moving on to various coaching roles at Miami (Ohio), Florida State, and Northwestern. His big break came in 2002 when he joined the Oklahoma Sooners as the team’s offensive coordinator under Bob Stoops. During his time at Oklahoma, Wilson became known for his dynamic offensive schemes that featured a potent passing game complemented by a solid running attack. Under his guidance, the Sooners consistently ranked among the top offenses in the country, and players like Adrian Peterson and Jason White thrived in the system he built.

After his successful stint at Oklahoma, Wilson moved on to become the head coach at Indiana University, where he turned a dormant program into a competitive force in the Big Ten. His efforts at Indiana were widely recognized, as he was able to develop a high-powered offense and recruit talent to elevate the Hoosiers. Even though his time at Indiana was marked by challenges—especially in terms of inconsistent results—Wilson’s reputation as an offensive innovator and motivator remained intact.

In 2017, Wilson took a position at Ohio State, where he served as the offensive coordinator and helped guide the Buckeyes to national relevance once again. His time in Columbus was marked by his ability to work with a variety of quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers, helping Ohio State maintain an elite offense under head coach Urban Meyer. His work with quarterbacks like Dwayne Haskins and Justin Fields cemented his reputation as one of the top offensive minds in college football.

When Oklahoma hired Kevin Wilson as its new offensive coordinator, it was a reunion of sorts for Stoops and Wilson, both of whom share a deep understanding of what it takes to win at the highest level. The return of Wilson to the program he helped build—this time as the head coach of the offense—is seen by many as a significant step toward rejuvenating the Sooners’ offensive identity and reclaiming national prominence.

3. Stoops’ Enthusiastic Endorsement of Wilson

Bob Stoops’ approval of Wilson’s hiring wasn’t just a casual acknowledgment—it was a glowing endorsement from one of the most successful coaches in the history of the program. Stoops has long been a fan of Wilson’s offensive philosophy and coaching acumen, having worked closely with him during Wilson’s time at Oklahoma.

In interviews and public statements, Stoops has expressed his excitement about Wilson’s return to the program. Stoops, a coach known for his strategic brilliance and attention to detail, has highlighted Wilson’s ability to create innovative offensive schemes that get the most out of the players. Whether it was Wilson’s work with quarterbacks, his ability to develop running backs, or his focus on balanced offensive play calling, Stoops has often said that Wilson’s approach aligns perfectly with Oklahoma’s values and vision.

“Kevin has been one of the most dynamic offensive minds in college football for years, and having him back at Oklahoma is a huge win for us,” Stoops said in a recent interview. “He knows this program, understands what it takes to succeed here, and has an incredible ability to bring out the best in the players he works with. We’re excited about what he’ll bring to the table, not just for our current players but for the future of Oklahoma football.”

Stoops has always been a staunch advocate for continuity and stability within a program, and Wilson’s hiring fits that mold perfectly. The Sooners, after all, are a program that has always prided itself on offensive excellence. The return of Wilson to Oklahoma’s coaching staff is viewed by Stoops as a crucial step in maintaining the Sooners’ offensive identity and continuing their legacy of success.

4. The Impact of Wilson’s Offensive Philosophy

What exactly does Kevin Wilson’s offensive philosophy bring to the table for the Sooners? While it’s still early to fully gauge the impact of his coaching, his history as an offensive coordinator suggests several key areas in which the Sooners could thrive under his leadership.

Balanced Offensive Attack

Wilson is known for creating balanced offenses that excel in both the passing and running games. For Oklahoma, this could mean a renewed emphasis on establishing the run game, which has been a hallmark of the program’s success in the past. With elite playmakers like Eric Gray and Jovantae Barnes in the backfield, Wilson has the tools to develop a dynamic rushing attack that complements the passing game.

At the same time, Wilson is a pass-first coach, and Oklahoma’s quarterbacks will undoubtedly benefit from his expertise in developing quarterbacks to read defenses quickly, make precise throws, and operate at a high tempo. The combination of a powerful running game and a potent passing attack will make Oklahoma’s offense one of the most difficult to defend in the nation.

Quarterback Development

Perhaps the most exciting aspect of Wilson’s arrival is his ability to develop quarterbacks. As we’ve seen with quarterbacks like Dwayne Haskins and Justin Fields at Ohio State, Wilson has a knack for helping young quarterbacks reach their full potential. Oklahoma’s incoming quarterbacks will have the opportunity to learn under one of the best offensive minds in the game, and this could prove to be a game-changer for the Sooners in the coming seasons.

Recruiting and Player Development

Wilson’s hiring also brings a renewed focus on recruiting and player development. As Oklahoma continues to battle against the nation’s elite programs for top-tier talent, Wilson’s ability to develop offensive players—especially quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers—will be a crucial component in maintaining the program’s competitiveness on the national stage. His track record speaks for itself, and with his deep ties to the Oklahoma community, Wilson has the potential to bring in top recruits who are

eager to play in a high-powered offense.

5. Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Oklahoma Football

The hiring of Kevin Wilson is undoubtedly an exciting chapter in the ongoing story of Oklahoma football. With Bob Stoops’ enthusiastic endorsement, the expectations for Wilson’s impact on the program are high. His ability to create a balanced, dynamic offense will help keep the Sooners in national title contention, while his focus on player development will ensure that the program continues to produce elite talent.

As Oklahoma looks ahead to the future, the return of Kevin Wilson to the program is a reminder that the Sooners’ legacy is in good hands. With a renewed focus on offensive excellence, the Sooners are poised for continued success on the national stage. Thanks to the leadership of Bob Stoops and the coaching expertise of Kevin Wilson, Oklahoma football is ready to take its next step toward greatness.