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After 18 Seasons, Bob Stoops Retires As OU's Winningest Coach

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Bob Stoops hoists the Sugar Bowl trophy after Oklahoma beat Auburn 35-17 in January.

University of Oklahoma head football coach Bob Stoops is retiring from the position, after 18 years on the job. The move is effective immediately.

33-year-old offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley has been named as the Sooners' new head coach.

In a statement, Stoops says he feels the timing is right.

"The Bible says, 'To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.' I'm grateful for this season of my life, and feel I've fulfilled my purpose here at OU as its head football coach."

The 56-year-old was hired in December of 1998 to turn around a program that suffered five straight losing seasons.

He finishes as the winningest coach in OU football history, with 190 wins and 48 losses.

He coached the Sooners to the 2000 national championship and three other national title game appearances. He also coached his teams to 10 Big 12 conference titles and a a school-record 18 consecutive bowl games.

Stoops will remain as special assistant to the athletics director at OU.

"The coaching life is like a relay race and I'm thankful for my turn and am confident as I pass the baton."

Ryan LaCroix is the Director of Content and Audience Development for KOSU.
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