Stoops Committed to Oklahoma

If there were any speculation Bob Stoops was on the move, the Oklahoma coach showed his commitment to the future of the University of Oklahoma. For at least this year, the speculation can come to an end.

On Tuesday, Coach Bob Stoops issued a statement to not only Sooner Nation but the football world.

"To end speculation here in the heart of recruiting, I want to make it clear that I am not interested in any other coaching positions at this time," he said. "I am too excited about our future at Oklahoma and the program we're continuing to build."

Stoops, 46, has been among the candidates on many NFL owners' wish list since 2003. While showing no interest in Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, Jacksonville Jaguars, all among NFL teams that showed interest. In addiion, turning down the University of Florida before the Urban Meyer hire, the same university Stoops served as defensive coordinator under Steve Spurrier before heading to Norman in 1999.

After all though, Stoops has it good in Oklahoma. Being one of the highest paid coaches in the college, he is expected to make a guaranteed $2.6 million plus incentives in 2007. Then, count the relative-easy media in Oklahoma City and the small town feel in Norman. Things aren't bad, as long as Stoops is winning. And after all, the coach has lead the Sooners to a 86-19 record in eight seasons.

If Stoops really is excited about the future, maybe, he is really here to build a lasting legacy. Something I wouldn't have thought in midseason, after a rocky start in 2006.