Up until this point, we had been relying on the reports that both Jackie Shipp and Bruce Kittle has been let go but now we have confirmation from Bob Stoops and the University of Oklahoma.
Here is the full statement released courtesy of SoonerSports.com:
University of Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops confirmed Wednesday that assistant coaches Jackie Shipp and Bruce Kittle will pursue other opportunities and will not return to OU coaching staff for the 2013 season.
"Bruce and Jackie both are great professionals who made a positive impact on Oklahoma Football," Stoops said. "Jackie played an integral role on our staff for 14 seasons as we won a national championship, made three other national championship game appearances and won eight Big 12 championships.
"Bruce made substantial contributions to a pair of Big 12 championships during his tenure with us," Stoops continued. "He also played an instrumental role in the development of players like Donald Stephenson and Lane Johnson. I wish Jackie and Bruce the very best moving forward."
Stoops indicated that no decisions have been made relative to filling positions on his staff.
"I anticipate speaking with several candidates that I have identified for our coaching staff, but I have yet to interview any of those individuals," he said. "I will continue to evaluate all of our options. Our objectives haven't changed. We will continue to do everything possible to ensure Oklahoma Football and our student-athletes are given the resources and support they need to compete for championships and excel in the classroom."
Both Shipp and Kittle expressed their appreciation of their time at OU. Shipp coached the defensive line for the Sooners the past 14 seasons and enjoyed a four-year playing career with Oklahoma from 1980-83. Kittle originally joined Oklahoma as the team's on-campus recruiting coordinator in 2010 and coached the club's offensive tackles and tight ends the past two years.
"It has been a privilege to coach the last 14 seasons at my alma mater, an honor that few coaches in this business are afforded," said Shipp. "It was a pleasure to compete with my teammates on Owen Field, and later, to work with a staff that helped so many talented student-athletes achieve their goals. I am particularly grateful for the many enduring relationships that were forged at the University of Oklahoma over the years."
"It's been a great blessing to work with Coach Stoops, our student-athletes and the entire staff at the University of Oklahoma," added Kittle. "Our family wishes the Sooners the very best, and we'll always have a fond place in our heart for the many individuals who touched us during our stay in Norman."
Loading comments...