NORMAN, Okla. – Following a staggering loss to Clemson in the Russell Athletic Bowl, many fans called for changes to the OU football program.
Over the past week, co-offensive coordinators Jay Norvell and Josh Heupel were both let go from the program.
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On Tuesday, head coach Bob Stoops announced major changes that will go into effect immediately.
Stoops said Norvell and Heupel are not scapegoats, but says the team needed to go in a different direction.
“Josh and Jay were incredibly professional,” Stoops said. “They’ll do well and have excellent careers.”
Also, he said Jerry Montgomery was promoted to co-defensive coordinator.
Stoops said his brother, Mike Stoops’, status is “unchanged” with the team, adding nine starters will be returning on defense.
Bob Stoops says if he felt it would help the team, he would move away from Mike Stoops as defensive coordinator.
However, he said he did not feel that was the case.
He would not comment on other staff changes at this time.
He said that OU has given him every resource to hire whoever he feels is best for the open positions.
He says he has a “strong idea” of whether he wants an offensive coordinator or two co-offensive coordinators.
However, he would not elaborate on what he was looking for, saying he hasn’t hired anyone yet.
“I’m going to do everything I can to put us back where we were a year ago or better,” Stoops said.
Wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham told Bob Stoops that he would not play a down for the Sooners, saying he would go into the NFL draft.
Last week, Jordan Phillips announced that he would also enter the NFL draft.
Tight end Taylor McNamara and running back David Smith will transfer from OU.
He said he hasn’t been able to address the players because they are not at school, saying they are “all over the country.”
Stoops said that if Frank Shannon completes this semester, he is “expected to be back.”
Joe Mixon, who was also suspended this season, is also expected to play next season.
Stoops added that he is “more determined than ever” to compete for a national championship.
“I’m responsible first and foremost for our lack of production,” Stoops said.
Stoops says he has health issues but his doctors keep an eye on him.
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