Stoops, Castiglione 'Support' Staying In Big 12

News9.com

NORMAN, Oklahoma -- The day after the Pac-12 announced that it would not be adding additional teams, Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops and Athletic Director Joe Castiglione released a statement Wednesday, saying they are both happy about the decision to remain in the Big 12.

"I'm in full support of President Boren's announced decision for OU to remain in the Big 12," Castiglione said. "The reforms which he has been discussing with the presidents in the conference are very important to the future stability and strength of the Big 12 Conference."

Stoops also expressed his feelings on remaining in the Big 12, a conference that has been good to the head coach during his run as the head coach. In his 13 years as the head coach, the Sooners have won seven conference titles – including three consecutive from 2006-2008 – and have lost just 18 conference games during his tenure.

"I'm very pleased that we're staying in the Big 12 Conference and appreciate the opportunity to work very closely with President Boren throughout the decision-making process," Stoops said.

The Sooners open conference play at 7 p.m. Saturday at home against the Missouri Tigers, the team that knocked OU from the ranks of the undefeated team a season ago.