Oklahoma Sooners Football: What They’re Saying About Bob Stoops & Lincoln Riley

Well, the dust is apparently supposed to settle soon. I admit, there were a couple of tears shed yesterday, especially during the press conference. And a day later, I’m still in a daze.

Sigh.

It’s been official for hours now — Bob Stoops is no longer the head football coach at the University of Oklahoma. That sentence still seems like fiction. It’s not some speculative story, not a “what if” scenario... it has really happened in, to understate it, unexpected fashion — a blindside hit the likes of which The Boz and Superman Roy would be proud.

Sigh. The dust hasn’t even begun to settle.

So, let’s commiserate together, Sooner Nation, on a trip through Twitterland.

Coach Stoops’ official statement as he’s ready to move on to the next chapter in his incredible life.

The breakdown of his spectacular career

And of course, then came the shockwaves...

G-Mac, a.k.a. The Great Geraldini, sums it up perfectly.

I know, dude. Who’d have thunk it?

Yes, Royce. Me too.

The one and only SVP taking us on a trip back through time, when Bob became a Sooner.

Respect and well wishes from the coaching fraternity

Former University of Florida head coach and mentor Steve Spurrier

“It was a surprise but not a complete shock. Bobby always indicated he wasn't going to coach forever. There is life after coaching and once he decided the time was right, he was going to move on. He wanted to go out at the right time and he feels good about where the program is right now. He has left a good team for Lincoln Riley and the Oklahoma program.”

Alabama head coach Nick Saban

"Bob is a great friend and one of the best coaches in the country during his time at Oklahoma. I have had the pleasure of knowing him and his family for over 40 years. I have always had so much respect for Bob because of his professionalism and his integrity. The quality of teams he has been able to field on a consistent basis is second to none. We wish him well in whatever he chooses to do in the future."

Former Texas head coach Mack Brown

“(Stoops) leaves Oklahoma with a long track record of success & will be remembered as a Sooner legend. I wish him the best.”

Kentucky head coach and little brother Mark Stoops

"Bob truly represents what is good about college football and the success of his career speaks for itself. What he means to me as a brother and a coach is immeasurable. I wish Bob, Carol and the kids the very best as he moves into the next phase of his life."

Texas head coach Tom Herman

“Coach Stoops' record of success and his legacy at Oklahoma are well documented and firmly established. I was a young graduate assistant at Texas when he took over at Oklahoma. At the time, they were struggling, and he changed that in a hurry. He was driven, passionate and determined to build something great, and he did so at an extremely high level for a long, long time. He'll be sorely missed at Oklahoma, in the Big 12 and on the landscape of college football.”

OU men's basketball coach Lon Kruger

“We are so grateful for the impact and legacy of Coach Stoops. His accomplishments at the University of Oklahoma speak for themselves. He is a master of his craft, a leader of men and the ideal ambassador for our university. Throughout his career, Coach Stoops performed and achieved at the highest level while representing Oklahoma and all of our athletic programs in a first class manner. He has been a great friend, colleague and leader.”

Former OU wide receiver and 2016 Biletnikoff Award winner Dede Westbrook

"I was taken back when I heard Coach Stoops, the living legend himself, had decided to retire. I'm extremely happy for him as I know I was blessed to play under his coaching. He impacted countless lives not only by transforming us from reckless football players into Big 12 Champions but also by taking rowdy boys and helping us grow into productive men. I am glad that I was able to give you your one and only Biletnikoff winner, and I hope I've made you proud thus far. I wish you and your family nothing but the best. You deserve it, Coach. Once a Sooner, Always a Sooner.”

Former OU safety and NFL starter Tony Jefferson

Former OU defensive lineman and 1985 national champion Tony Casillas

Former OU offensive lineman Gabe Ikard

Former OU linebacker Curtis Lofton

Former OU defensive lineman Dusty Dvoracek

Former OU running back Joe Mixon (via Instagram)

"Man I honestly don't know where to start with this... First I want to say congratulations on a great coaching career at the University of Oklahoma, Coach Stoops. The winningest coach in Oklahoma History.. won every major bowl game and a National Championship! You coached many greats and you got more rings than anyone in Big 12 history. You were the coach that made me the person I am today. You gave me a second chance no one ever would of did in your position, and you never gave up on me after everything we've been through! I thank you everyday, coach, and I'll never forget it. I will continue to make you happy and proud. I'll forever be thankful for the opportunity you gave me! I Love you Coach!"

Mixon’s backfield counterpart and OU’s all-time rushing leader Samaje Perine

Current OU quarterback Baker Mayfield, via Instagram

“Coach Stoops you have changed my life. You turned my dreams into a reality. You are one of the greatest of all time. I will never forget the night I shook your hand in Norman and you said you were happy I was coming to play for you... Well trust me Coach, I was the happy and lucky one. And for Coach Riley... There is not a better man to take over for this program. I truly believe you are the perfect fit for this university. I have never been around a more relatable, genuine, caring, and hardworking coach. You deserve this. You have helped me out and helped me grow in so many ways. I am so thankful I get to play for you in your 1st year as a head coach. So once again, thank you and goodbye to one of the greatest of all time, Bob Stoops. And hello and "let's get to work" to the next great Sooner Head Coach, Lincoln Riley. #Thankful”

Some stuff from our friends at SB Nation

Richard Johnson on Bob’s willingness to adapt

Ian Boyd on Lincoln Riley’s offense

Spencer Hall doing Spencer Hall things

Alex Kirshner on how Riley has been a rising star for years

Steven Godfrey on Bob’s fitting exit

Excellent piece by one of our brothers in Stillwater... We’ll see you in November, my friend.

They’re certainly excited in Stillwater. We’ll see how things go next season. (The salt is beginning to intensify.)

A new era is underway.

Check out Riley’s one-on-one interview with ESPN’s Jeannine Edwards.

The dashing good looks and the millennial charm has brought you far, Lincoln, I mean, Coach Riley. (That’s going to take a little getting used to.)

The program couldn’t be in better hands.

And my man is ready to hit the ground running.

It’s time, indeed, Gabe.

Wait, what? MORE BREAKING NEWS?! PLEASE MAKE IT STOP!

Sigh.

Thank you, Coach Stoops, for everything.

Forgive me for making the understatement of the year — you will be missed. Boomer Sooner, good sir.