ONER SIDELINE LEGENDS: A Ranking of Oklahoma’s Top 5 Coaches – Where Does Icon Bob Stoops End Up?

The University of Oklahoma Sooners football program stands tall among the elite in college football history. With a tradition rich in championships, legendary players, and iconic moments, the success of the Sooners has always been deeply intertwined with the quality and impact of their head coaches. From the early days of the program to the modern era, Oklahoma has produced coaching legends who have left an indelible mark on the program and the sport.

In this article, we rank the Top 5 Oklahoma coaches of all time and explore where Bob Stoops—the man who revived Oklahoma football in the 21st century and led the program to national prominence—fits into this exclusive pantheon.

Before unveiling the rankings, it’s essential to understand the criteria used to evaluate these legendary coaches:

• Championship success (national and conference titles)
• Win-loss record and winning percentage
• Longevity and sustained program impact
• Legacy through players developed and coaching tree influence
• Cultural and programmatic influence on Oklahoma football

With these factors in mind, let’s dive into Oklahoma’s coaching legends.

5. Bud Wilkinson (1947–1963)

The Architect of Dominance

Few names evoke the golden era of Oklahoma football like Bud Wilkinson. Taking over the Sooners in 1947, Wilkinson transformed the program into a national powerhouse with an unprecedented winning streak and multiple national championships.

Achievements and Legacy

• Winning Streak: A staggering 47-game winning streak (1953–1957) remains the longest in NCAA Division I history.
• National Championships: 3 (1950, 1955, 1956)
• Conference Titles: 14 Big Seven / Big Eight titles
• Winning Percentage: .822 (145–29–4 record)

Wilkinson’s teams were known for their precision, discipline, and innovation. His Wishbone offense set the standard for the running game in college football. Beyond the Xs and Os, Wilkinson’s era brought Oklahoma into the national spotlight, establishing a culture of excellence and high expectations.

Influence

Wilkinson’s coaching tree includes many assistants who went on to successful careers, and his legacy set the foundation for Oklahoma’s ongoing competitiveness. His impact on college football is undeniable—his Sooners were the team to beat in the 1950s, and his winning streak still stands as a benchmark for sustained excellence.

4. Bud Moore (1967–1970)

The Transitional Leader

Though less celebrated than some others on this list, Bud Moore played an important role in the 1960s, guiding the Sooners through a turbulent period following Wilkinson’s retirement.

Achievements

• Overall Record: 21–20–1
• Notable Victories: Beating rivals and maintaining competitiveness
• Program Stability: Moore kept the program afloat during a difficult era.

While Moore’s tenure wasn’t marked by national championships or conference dominance, his steady leadership helped maintain Oklahoma’s presence as a respected program. His coaching career is often overshadowed by the legends before and after him, but his role was crucial during a transitional phase.

3. Barry Switzer (1973–1988)

The Charismatic Champion

Barry Switzer is a beloved figure in Oklahoma football history, bringing charisma, swagger, and success to Norman. His teams are remembered for their explosive offenses and strong defenses, and he is the last coach to win a national championship for the Sooners.

Achievements and Legacy

• National Championships: 3 (1974, 1975, 1985)
• Conference Titles: 9 Big Eight Championships
• Winning Percentage: .774 (157–29–4 record)
• Heisman Trophy Winners: Sam Bradford (2008, but coached by Stoops — however, Switzer coached Heisman winner Billy Sims in 1978)

Switzer’s teams were built on a powerful Wishbone offense and a tough defense. He also helped Oklahoma develop a football culture that combined passion with high performance. His tenure ended controversially, but his coaching success and ability to recruit top talent left a lasting imprint.

Influence

Switzer’s influence extends beyond his coaching years; he helped raise the profile of Oklahoma football nationally and shaped the identity of the program in the 1970s and 80s. His NFL coaching career and TV presence have kept his legacy in the public eye.

2. Bud Wilkinson (1947–1963)

Wait—Bud Wilkinson was already listed #5. Sorry, I meant:

The Modern Innovator

Lincoln Riley revitalized Oklahoma football in the recent era, keeping the program in the national title conversation. Known for his offensive genius, Riley coached some of the most electrifying quarterbacks in college football history.

• Overall Record: 55–10
• Big 12 Championships: 3 (2017, 2018, 2019)
• Heisman Trophy Winner: Baker Mayfield (2017), Kyler Murray (2018)
• Playoff Appearances: 3 College Football Playoff berths

Riley brought back the excitement of high-powered offenses reminiscent of Oklahoma’s past. His offenses put up prolific numbers and helped develop Heisman-winning quarterbacks, redefining Oklahoma’s offense with modern passing schemes.

Influence

Riley’s impact on the program is huge despite a relatively short tenure. He re-established Oklahoma as a playoff contender and produced NFL-ready talent. His move to USC sparked speculation about who would lead Oklahoma next, but his tenure firmly placed Oklahoma among the elite again.

Where does Bob Stoops rank among Oklahoma coaching legends? At the very top. Stoops resurrected the Sooners when the program was floundering in the late 1990s and restored the national championship pedigree that had been absent for over a decade.

• Overall Record: 190–48 (.798 winning percentage)
• National Championship: 2000
• Big 12 Championships: 10 (including 5 straight from 2005 to 2009)
• College Football Playoff Appearances: 4
• Heisman Trophy Winner: Sam Bradford (2008)
• Bowl Record: 10–8, including major bowls like the Rose Bowl and Fiesta Bowl

Stoops took over a struggling program and within two years delivered a national title, cementing his place as one of college football’s elite coaches. His teams were known for tough defense, efficient offense, and mental toughness.

Stoops built one of the best programs of the modern era, producing countless NFL players and assistants who became head coaches themselves. His leadership stabilized Oklahoma for nearly two decades, blending tradition with modern strategies. Unlike previous coaches, Stoops maintained consistent national relevance and playoff contention year after year.

• Jim Tatum (1946): Coached only one season but left an impact on early program development.
• Tommy McDonald (1923–1928): Early coach who helped establish the program.
• Steve Owens (1979–1981): Former Heisman winner and brief coaching stint.

While Bud Wilkinson and Barry Switzer laid the foundation for Oklahoma’s glory years, and Lincoln Riley has brought a new wave of offensive brilliance, Bob Stoops stands as the most transformative figure in recent Oklahoma history.

• Most Wins in Program History: 190 wins
• National Champion: Only coach since the 1980s to bring home a title
• Sustained Excellence: 18 years of competitive, winning seasons
• Cultural Impact: Stoops embodies Oklahoma football pride, resilience, and success in the modern era.

Stoops is not just a coach; he is the bridge connecting Oklahoma’s storied past to its promising future.