5 greatest coaches in Oklahoma Sooners history: Where does newly retired Bob Stoops rank.

The Oklahoma Sooners football program is one of the most storied in college football history, marked by a tradition of excellence and sustained success that has spanned decades. With a rich legacy of championships, iconic players, and elite coaching, the Sooners have long been a powerhouse in the sport. At the heart of that success has been the work of legendary coaches, each contributing to the program’s enduring reputation as a football juggernaut. As the program moves forward into a new era with new leadership, one question remains front and center for many fans and analysts alike: Where does the newly retired Bob Stoops rank among the five greatest coaches in Oklahoma football history?

Bob Stoops, who retired after the 2016 season, is widely regarded as one of the greatest to ever roam the sidelines in Norman. But how does he stack up against the titans of Oklahoma football’s past? In order to properly evaluate Stoops’ place in the hierarchy of Oklahoma coaching legends, it’s important to examine the five most influential coaches in the history of the program: Bud Wilkinson, Barry Switzer, Bob Stoops, and more. Let’s take a deep dive into each of these coaching icons and their impact on the Sooners, ultimately answering the pressing question of where Stoops stands among them.

Bud Wilkinson’s influence on Oklahoma football is immeasurable. Serving as head coach from 1947 to 1963, Wilkinson transformed the Sooners into a college football dynasty that set the standard for future generations. His tenure marked the beginning of Oklahoma’s sustained excellence, highlighted by an astonishing 47-game winning streak from 1953 to 1957—still the longest winning streak in major college football history.

Wilkinson’s impact went far beyond the Xs and Os; he instilled a culture of discipline, resilience, and unwavering commitment to success. Under his leadership, the Sooners captured three national championships (1950, 1955, 1956) and 14 Big 8 Conference titles. His success set the foundation for what would become a dominant force in college football, making him the bedrock upon which all future success would be built.

Wilkinson’s ability to recruit and develop top-tier talent was also a major part of his legacy. He coached future NFL stars like Quarterback Steve Owens, who won the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 1969. Wilkinson’s time in Norman helped to solidify Oklahoma as a destination for some of the country’s best athletes, a trend that would continue for years to come.

Barry Switzer’s name is synonymous with Oklahoma football. Serving as the Sooners’ head coach from 1973 to 1988, Switzer took what Wilkinson had started and brought it to new heights. Under Switzer’s leadership, the Sooners won three national championships (1974, 1975, 1985), and his dynamic, option-based offense revolutionized the way the game was played.

Switzer’s approach was a mix of innovation and tradition. He was instrumental in popularizing the wishbone offense, which allowed the Sooners to dominate opponents with a balanced attack, making them nearly impossible to stop. His teams were known for their explosive playmaking and tough, physical style of football, characteristics that became the trademark of the program under his guidance.

Switzer’s record at Oklahoma speaks for itself: a remarkable 157-29-4 overall record and a 16-3 record in bowl games. During his tenure, the Sooners finished in the top 10 of the final AP Poll in 12 of his 16 seasons as head coach. In addition to his national championships, Switzer won numerous conference titles and was known for his ability to recruit elite talent from across the country. Under Switzer, Oklahoma became an institution, dominating the Big 8 Conference and consistently competing at the highest level of college football.

Switzer’s leadership extended beyond just football. He was an exceptional motivator, a master of rallying his players to perform at their best, even in the most challenging circumstances. His legacy is not only defined by his wins and championships but also by the deep, unwavering connection he formed with his players and the Oklahoma community. Switzer is a symbol of Oklahoma football—his name is forever etched in the program’s history.

Bob Stoops is widely regarded as one of the best coaches in the modern era of college football, and his contributions to Oklahoma’s continued success are immense. Serving as head coach from 1999 to 2016, Stoops revived a program that had experienced a decline in the years prior to his arrival. His impact on the Sooners is undeniable, and his list of accomplishments is a testament to his coaching prowess.

Stoops’ tenure was marked by unparalleled success, including winning a national championship in 2000 in his second season at the helm. That championship was particularly significant because it helped return Oklahoma to its rightful place among the elite college football programs, following a stretch of mediocrity during the 1990s. Stoops built his success on a balanced approach, combining a potent offense with a tenacious defense. Under his leadership, Oklahoma won 10 Big 12 championships, the most in conference history.

Stoops also played a pivotal role in revitalizing the Sooners’ recruiting efforts, bringing in some of the best talent in the nation. His aggressive recruiting style helped solidify Oklahoma’s place as one of the top football programs in the country. Stoops’ ability to develop talent and keep his team competitive on a yearly basis was central to his success.

In addition to his national championship, Stoops led Oklahoma to 18 bowl games, including a stretch of 12 straight seasons with a bowl appearance. He also produced numerous NFL players and Heisman Trophy winners, including quarterback Jason White (2003) and running back Adrian Peterson (2004). Stoops’ teams were consistently ranked in the top 10 nationally, and he built a reputation as one of the toughest, most disciplined coaches in the country.

What sets Stoops apart, however, is his ability to sustain success. While many programs experience peaks and valleys, Stoops kept Oklahoma at a high level year after year, regardless of roster turnover or recruiting cycles. His consistency and ability to win in the postseason made him a modern legend in the college football world.

When it comes to ranking Bob Stoops among the greatest coaches in Oklahoma football history, the conversation is never easy. On one hand, his national championship, 10 conference titles, and record of consistent success make him a clear contender for the top spot. On the other hand, the legacy of Bud Wilkinson and Barry Switzer is undeniable—they were the pioneers of Oklahoma football, laying the groundwork for all the success that came after them.

To some, Stoops’ impact might feel more modern and thus easier to overlook in comparison to the legendary figures of the past. However, in terms of overall success and longevity, Stoops has certainly earned his place among the greats. He is widely regarded as the most successful coach of the modern era at Oklahoma, particularly given the level of competition in the Big 12 and nationally during his time in charge.

What truly sets Stoops apart is his ability to adapt. While both Wilkinson and Switzer were products of their time, Stoops navigated the ever-changing landscape of college football with remarkable success. His teams excelled during the BCS era, transitioning smoothly into the College Football Playoff format. Stoops was also able to maintain Oklahoma’s position as a national contender in the face of growing competition from other programs in the Southeastern Conference and beyond. While he never captured a second national title, his consistent ability to field championship-caliber teams in a more competitive era speaks volumes about his coaching ability.

When it comes to the question of where Bob Stoops ranks among the all-time greats at Oklahoma, the answer is clear: He belongs firmly in the upper echelon of Sooners coaching legends. While he may not have reached the same level of sustained dominance as Bud Wilkinson or the high-profile public persona of Barry Switzer, Stoops carved his own legacy by consistently winning at the highest levels and keeping Oklahoma among the nation’s elite programs for nearly two decades.

Ultimately, ranking Stoops against Wilkinson and Switzer is a subjective exercise. Wilkinson set the stage for everything that followed, while Switzer perfected a dominant style of play that defined an era. Stoops, however, embodied the best elements of both—he was able to recruit top talent, adapt to the times, and maintain a level of success that few can match.

For many, Stoops is the greatest coach in Oklahoma history, while for others, he may come second or third behind the trailblazers. Regardless of where he falls in the rankings, Bob Stoops’ legacy will forever be etched in Oklahoma football lore. His tenure at the University of Oklahoma has set the bar for future generations, and his impact on the program will be felt for many years to come.