NORMAN — The University of Oklahoma will honor the longest-tenured coach in college football and winningest football coach in Oklahoma history, Bob Stoops and his wife, Carol, during its annual Homecoming weekend. The Stoopses will be honored recipients at the OU Ring Ceremony scheduled for Friday, Oct. 27, and they also have been selected to serve as parade co-marshals for OU’s Homecoming Parade on Saturday, Oct. 28.
“It is an honor for the University of Oklahoma to be able to pay tribute to Carol and Bob Stoops at Homecoming this year,” said OU President David L. Boren. “They have generously given of themselves in their service to the university and to the broader community. The Stoopses are worthy role models for our students and have left a lasting impact on the university.”
Bob Stoops, who announced his retirement in June, joined the Sooners as a rookie head coach in 1999. During his 18 seasons with the Sooners, he led them to a national championship in 2000, a school-record 18 consecutive bowl berths and 10 Big 12 titles, and 190 total victories. He is the only head coach in the Bowl Championship Series era to have won the Rose Bowl, Orange Bowl, Fiesta Bowl and Sugar Bowl.
Stoops was named Walter Camp Coach of the Year in 2000 and 2003 and was named Big 12 Coach of the Year six times. He also coached two Heisman Trophy winners: quarterbacks Jason White (2003) and Sam Bradford (2008).
In addition to his legendary contributions to the OU football program and to the University as a whole, Stoops has been a pillar in the Oklahoma community. Through his Bob Stoops Champions Foundation, he has raised more than $2 million to benefit children who are ill or at risk. The foundation has partnered with worthy causes such as March of Dimes, OU Children’s Hospital, Big Brothers/Big Sisters and Make-A-Wish Foundation, as well as many other local charities.
Carol Stoops recently retired from Mary Kay Inc., after 25 years with the cosmetics company. She joined the company in 1991 and became a national sales director in 2005. Together, they have three children, Mackenzie, Isaac and Drake.
