To the Oklahoma Sooners football family — players, coaches, staff, alumni, and fans,

It’s Bob Stoops here. Many of you know me as the man who had the incredible honor of serving as your head coach from 1999 through 2016. Those years were the defining chapter of my professional life and, I dare say, some of the most rewarding years I’ve ever experienced. Today, as the head coach of the Arlington Renegades in the United Football League, my heart is still very much with Oklahoma football. The Sooners are more than just a team; they are a community, a legacy, and a standard of excellence.

I wanted to take this moment to reach out directly — to share some reflections, encouragement, and a vision for what I believe the Oklahoma Sooners program can and should be moving forward. The path ahead will have its challenges, but with the right mindset and dedication, the Sooners will continue to stand as one of college football’s elite programs.

When I first came to Oklahoma, I understood one thing clearly — this program is steeped in tradition and expectation. It’s a place where legends are born, where players grow into leaders, and where every Saturday, the eyes of the college football world are on you.

That legacy demands commitment, discipline, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. I saw those qualities in every player I coached, in every assistant who gave their all, and in every fan who bled crimson and cream. And those standards are just as vital today.

Playing for Oklahoma means more than just showing up on game day. It means embracing a culture of accountability — holding yourself and your teammates to the highest standards, both on and off the field. The best teams I ever coached were those that understood this principle. It’s about pride, yes — but also about responsibility. Responsibility to your team, your university, and the countless fans who believe in you.

Football, like everything else, changes with time. Today’s game is faster, more dynamic, and loaded with new schemes, technology, and analytics. I’m coaching in a different league now, and I see how innovation and adaptation can create opportunities that didn’t exist 20 years ago.

But here’s the truth: while the X’s and O’s evolve, the fundamentals don’t. The fundamentals of toughness, preparation, focus, and teamwork remain the cornerstone of winning football. I urge every Sooner to embrace these core values relentlessly.

No matter what position you play or what scheme you run, those fundamentals will get you to the next level. They will prepare you for the pressure of big moments. They will shape your character beyond the gridiron.

During my time at Oklahoma, leadership was never just a buzzword — it was the heartbeat of our success. I saw countless young men grow into leaders who inspired their teammates, pushed through adversity, and led by example.

To the players reading this now: I want you to understand that leadership starts with you. It’s not just about titles or being the loudest voice in the locker room. It’s about showing up every day ready to work, ready to improve, ready to lift your teammates.

Great leaders inspire trust, build confidence, and foster unity. They hold themselves accountable and hold others accountable with respect and fairness. If you want to be a champion at Oklahoma, you have to be a leader in some capacity — whether that’s on the field, in the film room, or within your community.

I’ve always believed football is a platform, not just a game. Yes, we chase championships and stats, but what matters most is the impact we leave on the world beyond the stadium.

Many of the players I coached have gone on to successful careers, but what fills me with the most pride is when I hear about former Sooners who are great husbands, fathers, mentors, and community leaders.

The University of Oklahoma and the football program have incredible resources to help you grow not only as athletes but as men of integrity and purpose. Embrace those opportunities. Take advantage of the academic support, leadership development, and community service programs. Your time as a Sooner is preparing you for life — not just football.

Every team, no matter how talented, will face tough moments — losses, injuries, or setbacks that test the spirit of the group. I know this better than most. I remember seasons that felt like mountains to climb.

What separates good teams from great teams is how they respond to adversity. Do you fold under pressure? Or do you come back stronger, more focused, and more determined?

I challenge the current Sooners to adopt a mindset of resilience. When things get tough — and they will — remember the rich history of this program and the countless men who battled before you. Let that fuel your fire to persevere and to push forward.

No championship is won by individual talent alone. It takes a cohesive, connected team that plays for each other, not for personal glory.

During my tenure, I witnessed firsthand how teams that built genuine trust and camaraderie inside the locker room achieved greatness. Chemistry isn’t just about friendship — it’s about respect, accountability, and shared sacrifice.

If you want to build a championship-caliber team, focus on building relationships — on and off the field. Support your teammates, be honest with each other, and never lose sight of the common goal.

One of the hardest balances to maintain in sports is staying humble while striving for greatness. It’s easy to let success breed complacency or arrogance, but that’s a trap no Sooner should ever fall into.

Every season is a new season. Every practice is a chance to get better. Never let past achievements make you think you have arrived. The best players and coaches are always students of the game — hungry, curious, and eager to learn.

Humility is the foundation of growth. Stay grounded. Listen to your coaches and teammates. Work hard in the weight room and classroom. Stay disciplined. That mindset is what will keep the Sooners on top year after year.

Looking ahead, I am incredibly optimistic about the future of Oklahoma football. The program has all the ingredients for sustained success — incredible talent, passionate coaching staff, supportive administration, and a fan base unlike any other.

My advice to the current team and staff is simple: build on the foundation we laid but never stop innovating. Embrace the new ways the game is played, invest in player development — physically, mentally, and emotionally — and continue to uphold the values that make Oklahoma football special.

The Sooners will always be a beacon of excellence in college football. Your job is to keep that torch burning bright.

To every player, coach, and supporter of the Oklahoma Sooners — know that you carry a proud legacy on your shoulders. I am proud of every moment I spent coaching here, and I am proud of the team you are becoming.

Remember: it’s not just about winning games, but about building a program and a culture that lasts. Play with heart, with honor, and with the knowledge that you represent more than just yourselves.

I look forward to watching your journey unfold, and I’ll be cheering loudly from Arlington