OU Football | Sooners Extend Bob Stoops' Contract Through 2020

The University of Oklahoma announced Thursday afternoon that they were extending the contract of Bob Stoops through 2020. The extension is pending official approval by the board of regents, but that is merely a formality. There were no financial details released with respect to the extension, however for reference Stoops was due to make $4.55 million this coming season.

Comments from Stoops, university president David Boren, and athletic director Joe Castiglione via SoonerSports.com:

Stoops

"I appreciate the University's commitment to our program and me," Stoops said. "Most coaches dream of working in the kind of situation that exists at Oklahoma, especially with leaders like President Boren and Joe Castiglione. We're proud of what we have accomplished to this point and look forward to achieving a lot more."

Boren

"We took this action to express the University's deep appreciation for Bob Stoops' work," Boren said. "In my opinion, he ranks among the very best nationally in the way he combines his ability as a coach with high ethical standards. I greatly value and enjoy my association with Bob and feel extremely fortunate that at the University of Oklahoma we have the longest continuous tenure of the current head football coach, athletics director and president.

"The progress made in our football program since Bob took the helm in 1999 is remarkable. He has truly revived one of the great college football traditions, while adding his own enhancements, and elevating the profile and competition in the Big 12 Conference. As president, it is particularly meaningful to me that we have a coach who has accomplished so much and with such high personal integrity. His strong character represents the best of the values of our university. I'm always proud when he represents the University of Oklahoma to the nation."

Castiglione

"Anytime I look at Bob Stoops on our sideline surrounded by our student-athletes and coaches, I'm reminded of the truly exceptional coach he has become," Castiglione said. "Whether it's his inspirational leadership, his passion for the game or consistently putting his team in the best position to be successful, his character and steely resolve continue to make him the right person to lead us to success in the future.

"Coach Stoops has become one of college football's iconic figures yet he is a selfless man who remains focused on winning championships adding to our program's great legacy. Against that backdrop he has also quietly embraced the role of serving others and encourages similar values amongst his players and staff. I am proud to have worked with him continuously for 15 years and excited we can extend our relationship with him. We will continue to build on the incredibly strong foundation and tradition which exists at the University of Oklahoma and pursue the many great things we want to accomplish in the coming years."

Entering the 2013 season, Stoops is just eight wins shy of tying Barry Switzer for the all-time winningest coach in program history. If he stays in Norman through the life of this contract extension (or even longer), he could potentially set a program all-time wins record that may never be broken.