Mike Stoops Out As Defensive Coordinator For OU

The fallout from OU’s loss to Texas came quickly.

Head Coach Lincoln Riley fired Defensive Coordinator Mike Stoops Sunday night after the Sooners gave up 48 points to the Longhorns.

Those 48 points are the most Texas has scored against Oklahoma in the long series.

News On 6’s Dean Blevins said emotions Saturday were out of control and that players were wasting time and energy dealing with inappropriate and unacceptable drama instead of making adjustments.

A source said Stoops offered to resign right after the game but that Head Coach Lincoln Riley didn't accept it in the heat of the moment.

Instead, Riley made the decision Sunday and in a statement Monday, Riley said he has a great deal of respect for Mike but that it became time for a change in the program.

Linebacker Caleb Kelly was asked about the move Monday morning.

Caleb Kelly: "Really the best thing I can say, I love him so much, that's one of my favorite coaches I've ever had. I just love him.”

Reporter: "Did you get a chance to talk to him after everything was announced?”

Kelly: "No, no."

Reporter: "Do you anticipate doing that at some point?"

Kelly: "For sure, but yeah."

Stoops also released a statement Monday afternoon, saying in part, "we wish nothing but continued success for the program.”

pic.twitter.com/aKNFs4moFk

— Mike Stoops (@OU_CoachMike) October 8, 2018

Ruffin McNeill will take over as defensive coordinator for the rest of the season.