NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — Oklahoma is hoping a blast from the past can return the program to a championship level.
Mike Stoops is back as defensive coordinator after eight seasons away. During his first stint with the Sooners, they were among the nation’s top 10 in defense four straight years, won a national title and played for another.
Heading into the season opener Sept. 1 at UTEP, Stoops says his mindset is all about redemption. He’s out to prove that he didn’t suddenly become a bad coach after leaving Norman to be the head coach at Arizona. His players want to make up for dreadful defensive performances last year in losses to Texas Tech, Baylor and Oklahoma State that derailed a season that began with them ranked No. 1.
