Breaking: Netflix Announces Documentary Series on Former Oklahoma Sooners Head Coach

In a move that has sent shockwaves through both sports and entertainment circles, Netflix has officially announced its plans to release a highly anticipated documentary series titled The Underdog. The series will delve into the life, career, and legacy of the former head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners football team, Bob Stoops, whose tenure at the helm of one of college football’s most storied programs has made him a legendary figure in the sport.

The Underdog promises to explore more than just Stoops’ victories on the field, but will also delve into the man behind the achievements—his personal journey, the obstacles he faced, and the moments of triumph that cemented his place in football history. With unprecedented access to Stoops, his family, former players, and colleagues, this documentary is set to be a must-watch for sports fans, Oklahoma Sooners supporters, and anyone intrigued by the drive and determination required to reach the pinnacle of college football.

Born on September 9, 1960, in Youngstown, Ohio, Bob Stoops was raised in a football family. His father, Ron Stoops Sr., was a high school football coach, and his brothers, Mike and Mark, also went on to make their names in the world of football coaching. From an early age, Bob Stoops was immersed in the world of sports. His journey into coaching, however, would be anything but conventional.

Stoops attended the University of Iowa, where he played as a defensive back for the Iowa Hawkeyes under legendary coach Hayden Fry. Though he didn’t have an illustrious playing career that would lead to the NFL, it was his time at Iowa that shaped the foundation for his future in coaching. After his playing days were over, Stoops began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Iowa in 1983. From there, he would go on to coach at various schools, including Kent State, Florida, and Kansas State, before landing the prestigious role of head coach at the University of Oklahoma in 1999.

At Oklahoma, Stoops immediately made an impact. His high-energy coaching style and tactical acumen helped transform a program that had fallen from its former glory into a national powerhouse once again. The documentary series will explore how Stoops’ arrival at Oklahoma coincided with the program’s resurgence, particularly the Sooners’ 2000 national championship victory, a title that cemented Stoops’ legacy in college football history.

Stoops’ tenure as head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners was marked by consistency, dominance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Over the course of 18 seasons (1999–2016), Stoops turned Oklahoma into one of the premier football programs in the country. Under his leadership, the Sooners would win ten Big 12 championships and make 18 bowl appearances, including a national championship in 2000.

Stoops’ coaching philosophy was one of discipline, toughness, and a never-satisfied attitude. He believed in building a team that was strong in all phases of the game, from offense to defense to special teams. His teams were known for their high-powered offenses, led by quarterbacks such as Jason White, Sam Bradford, and Kyler Murray, but also for their stingy defenses that often carried the team in key moments.

Perhaps the most enduring legacy of Stoops’ time at Oklahoma was his ability to recruit and develop talent. Many of the players Stoops coached, such as Adrian Peterson, Roy Williams, and Baker Mayfield, would go on to play in the NFL, showcasing Stoops’ ability to recognize and nurture talent that could perform at the highest levels. This combination of recruiting excellence and player development was key to his sustained success over the years.

While Stoops’ record at Oklahoma is incredibly impressive, his legacy is not just defined by wins and losses. Stoops is revered by his players for his leadership, his emphasis on character, and his willingness to push them beyond their limits. The documentary series will delve into these deeper aspects of Stoops’ character, providing a personal and intimate look at what made him one of the most respected coaches in the history of college football.

Though Bob Stoops’ career is often viewed as a tale of unbridled success, it was not without its share of challenges. In fact, one of the central themes of The Underdog will be the idea of overcoming adversity. Stoops’ journey to the top of college football was not a straight line, but one filled with setbacks, disappointments, and moments of doubt. These struggles will be explored in-depth in the documentary, shedding light on the resilience and determination that defined Stoops’ character both on and off the field.

One of the most defining moments of Stoops’ career came in 2003, when his Oklahoma Sooners team was undefeated and poised to make a run for another national championship. However, a shocking loss to Kansas State in the Big 12 Championship Game dashed those hopes and left Stoops facing harsh criticism. The defeat would prove to be a humbling moment for Stoops, but he was quick to rebound. He led his team back to the top, claiming another Big 12 title and earning another shot at a national championship, though they ultimately fell short against LSU in the 2004 BCS National Championship Game.

Stoops would face further adversity in the 2008 season when his Sooners became the first team in NCAA history to score over 700 points in a season and yet fall short of a national title. Despite their incredible offensive production, Oklahoma’s loss to Florida in the BCS National Championship Game left Stoops and his players heartbroken.

Despite these setbacks, Stoops never wavered. His ability to bounce back from adversity, to take criticism on the chin and rise again, is part of what makes his story so compelling. The documentary will showcase the behind-the-scenes struggles Stoops faced in maintaining his competitive edge and leading his teams to success despite the mounting pressure and expectations.

Behind every successful individual is often a support system, and for Bob Stoops, that support came in the form of his family. Stoops’ wife, Carol, and their children played an integral role in his life and career, and the documentary series will highlight the importance of family in Stoops’ journey.

In many ways, Stoops’ family became a source of strength for him, particularly during the most challenging times of his career. Carol, in particular, was a constant source of encouragement and perspective for Stoops, helping him navigate the highs and lows of the coaching profession. The Stoops family’s unwavering support is a theme that will be explored in depth, providing a more humanizing look at the man behind the coach.

Additionally, Stoops’ younger brother, Mike, a successful coach in his own right, will also be featured prominently in the documentary. Their shared passion for the game and their mutual respect for one another will provide a unique insight into the Stoops family dynamic and the role it played in Bob Stoops’ success.

In 2017, Bob Stoops shocked the college football world when he announced his retirement from coaching. At the time, he cited a desire to spend more time with his family and to pursue other interests. His retirement marked the end of an era for Oklahoma football, as Stoops had been the face of the program for nearly two decades.

Despite his departure from the sidelines, Stoops’ impact on the game continues to be felt. He has remained active in the world of football through various ventures, including his involvement with the XFL, where he served as the head coach and general manager of the Dallas Renegades. His return to coaching in the XFL is just one example of how Stoops continues to be a major figure in the football world, even after his retirement from college coaching.

His legacy, however, is firmly entrenched in Oklahoma’s history, as he helped elevate the program to new heights and built a culture of success that will endure for years to come. The documentary will highlight Stoops’ transition from the pressure of coaching in the NCAA to life after football, exploring how he’s been able to redefine his identity and continue contributing to the sport he loves.

Netflix’s The Underdog promises to be more than just another sports documentary. It will be an exploration of a man who overcame personal and professional challenges to become one of the most revered figures in college football. Through interviews with former players, coaches, and Stoops himself, the series will provide an intimate and compelling look at the life of Bob Stoops—one of college football’s greatest coaches.

With its rich blend of personal stories, dramatic moments, and in-depth analysis of Stoops’ coaching methods and philosophies, The Underdog is sure to captivate not just football fans, but anyone interested in the story of perseverance, leadership, and success against the odds.

As Netflix prepares to release the documentary, anticipation is building for what is sure to be an unforgettable look at the career of a coach who helped define an era of college football. Whether you’re a lifelong Oklahoma Sooners fan or a casual observer of the sport, The Underdog will provide a window into the heart and soul of a coaching legend—Bob Stoops.