Thread: Mike Stoops joining Oklahoma

Mike Stoops to become Oklahoma Sooners' co-defensive coordinator, sources say - ESPN

Former Arizona coach Mike Stoops will join the Oklahoma staff -- and his brother -- as co-defensive coordinator, a move that will be announced as soon as Wednesday, sources said.

Willie Martinez, an assistant who coached the defensive backs, is leaving the staff. The Sooners' head coach is Bob Stoops.

Stoops was coach at Arizona from 2004 to 2011, going 41-50 overall, 27-38 in the Pac-12.

Stoops took the Wildcats to three consecutive bowls before being released after a 1-5 start this past season.

Stoops was an assistant at Oklahoma from 1999 to 2003, where he was co-defensive coordinator with Brent Venables, who has said he wants what is best for the program, including the possible addition of Stoops.

Mike Stoops was on Oklahoma's sideline for this year's bowl game against Iowa. Bob Stoops had said that he would welcome working with his brother again, but that there wasn't a spot available on the staff.

However, Martinez's departure will allow the energetic, intense Mike Stoops to re-join the team.

Very happy for Stoops. He was a very good guy, not to suited for the HC job but a very good guy who will do things (already has done things) at Oklahoma. Defense is his specialty and I expect big things from him at Oklahoma. Maybe Bob can help Mike become a better HC.