January 3, 2009

Stoops to the Denver Broncos?

Oklahoma alum Pat Bowlen is looking for a new head coach for his Denver Broncos. One name on his radar? Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops.

The Broncos moved quickly on New Year's Day, locking up interviews with three NFL assistants as well as making a preliminary move to contact University of Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops.

...

For his part, Stoops, who visited Broncos training camp during the summer with his coaching staff, is a known quantity to Bowlen.

But his contract at the football powerhouse averages about $3 million a year, and he will earn $6 million this year because of a $3 million bonus for staying at the school 10 seasons that kicked in on New Year's Day.

The Rocky Mountain News reports that no direct talks with Stoops have taken place, but the Broncos have been in contact with his agent.

Stoops didn't jump to the NFL last year when the Redskins came calling, and many attribute that to discussions he had with friend & college-to-NFL jumper Steve Spurrier. It's thought that the transition into NFL uncertainty represents too great a leap for Stoops, who enjoys nearly unprecedented security in Norman... at $6 million plus per year, a number that most NFL teams wouldn't touch.

Some part of me thinks that there may be something to the Denver rumors, especially if the Sooners lose the National Championship and "Big Game" Bob has his legacy in danger. He's never been one to cut off the NFL discussions, so maybe Bolen can give him the security he needs in Denver.

If Stoops leaves OU? Who knows. The Sooners have to outstanding coordinators already on the payroll, but both lack head coaching experience. There's a certain former OU assistant just down the road in Lubbock who hasn't signed his extension. Hmmm. And, while we're at it, anyone think Utah's Kyle Whittingham and TCU's Gary Patterson might get looks?

Comments:

Stoops to the Denver Broncos?
Oklahoma alum Pat Bowlen is looking for a new head coach for his Denver Broncos. One name on his radar? Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops.
The Broncos moved quickly on New Year's Day, locking up interviews with three NFL assistants as well as making a preliminary move to contact University of Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops. ... For his part, Stoops, who visited Broncos training camp during the summer with his coaching staff, is a known quantity to Bowlen. But his contract at the football powerhouse averages about $3 million a year, and he will earn $6 million this year because of a $3 million bonus for staying at the school 10 seasons that kicked in on New Year's Day.
The Rocky Mountain News reports that no direct talks with Stoops have taken place, but the Broncos have been in contact with his agent. Stoops didn't jump to the NFL last year when the Redskins came calling, and many attribute that to discussions he had with friend & college-to-NFL jumper Steve Spurrier. It's thought that the transition into NFL uncertainty represents too great a leap for Stoops, who enjoys nearly unprecedented security in Norman... at $6 million plus per year, a number that most NFL teams wouldn't touch. Some part of me thinks that there may be something to the Denver rumors, especially if the Sooners lose the National Championship and "Big Game" Bob has his legacy in danger. He's never been one to cut off the NFL discussions, so maybe Bolen can give him the security he needs in Denver. If Stoops leaves OU? Who knows. The Sooners have to outstanding coordinators already on the payroll, but both lack head coaching experience. There's a certain former OU assistant just down the road in Lubbock who hasn't signed his extension. Hmmm. And, while we're at it, anyone think Utah's Kyle Whittingham and TCU's Gary Patterson might get looks?