Former Oklahoma Sooners coach Bob Stoops says program in good shape, Lincoln Riley 'didn't invent OU football'

On a day he was celebrated by the Oklahoma Legislature, former Sooners coach Bob Stoops gave a campaign-like speech reassuring fans after the departure of coach Lincoln Riley.

«Lincoln Riley didn't invent OU football,» Bob Stoops said while being honored Tuesday with a resolution celebrating «a career of service to the Oklahoma community and success with the OU Football program.»

Stoops served as head coach at Oklahoma for 18 years before handing the keys to his offensive coordinator, Riley, who left Norman after five seasons for USC. Riley has been replaced by another former Stoops assistant in Brent Venables.

«Brent was a major part of [Oklahoma's undefeated 2000 season],» Stoops said. «He was with us 13 years and then went 10 years to Clemson where they've had as big a resurgence — not resurgence they've come from nowhere — to be one of the premier teams in the country. He's got all the experience in the world. I don't need to tell you about his passion and energy. It oozes all over the place and infects everybody.»

Stoops gave credit to Bud Wilkinson, who arrived in 1947, for laying the foundation for one of the most storied programs in college football.

«Bud Wilkinson created the monster that Coach [Barry] Switzer always referred to and I had to deal with it for 18 years,» Stoops said. «And it's a monster. But I loved it. I am the fortunate one to have been able to be at Oklahoma for all these years — 18 as the head coach — and fortunately they've kept me on here for a while so that I could step in in moments like that. Hopefully we don't have any more.»

Stoops stepped in in the immediate aftermath of Riley's resignation, coaching the Sooners to a 47-32 win over Oregon in the Valero Alamo Bowl. Stoops' emergency