STWF Sports | Dallas, TX | Dec. 15, 2025 — One of football’s most accomplished leaders is hanging up the headset. Bob Stoops, the championship-winning head coach who bridged generations of college dominance and modern spring football success, has officially announced his retirement from coaching. The news marks the end of a legendary career that spanned nearly 40 years and helped shape both the Oklahoma Sooners’ golden era and the United Football League’s rise.

Stoops, 65, leaves the sidelines with an extraordinary 207–69 all-time head coaching record, including 10 Big 12 Championships, a 2000 BCS National Championship, and a 2023 XFL Championship with the Dallas Renegades. His run at Oklahoma alone—191–48 over 18 seasons—cements him as one of the sport’s most influential figures.

But Stoops’ impact extended well beyond the numbers. He became the face of stability, innovation, and championship culture, bringing a sense of credibility and competitiveness to the UFL at a crucial moment in its development.

A Career Comes Full Circle

Stoops’ latest chapter began in 2020 when he joined the Renegades as part of the rebooted XFL. When leagues merged and the UFL emerged as the premier spring football organization, Stoops remained a constant, guiding the Renegades with the same trademark consistency that defined his decades at Oklahoma. In 2023, he delivered the franchise its first championship—a fitting milestone in a career full of them.

On Monday, Stoops made the decision official with a heartfelt statement.

Stoops: “Coaching has been one of the greatest honors of my life”

“After much thought and reflection, I’ve made the decision to retire from coaching and step away from the game of football,” Stoops said. “Coaching has been one of the greatest honors of my life, and closing this chapter comes with lots of gratitude.”

He thanked the Renegades organization, UFL leadership, and ownership partners—including Mike Repole, Impact Capital, RedBird Capital, Dany Garcia, Dwayne Johnson, FOX, and ESPN—for their support and vision. He also reserved special praise for the fans.

“To the fans—you are the heartbeat of this sport. Your passion, energy, and unwavering support have meant the world to me,” Stoops said. “Coaching for you has been one of the greatest joys of my career.”

Stoops said family time and a new chapter now await, but he made clear his belief in the league’s upward trajectory.

“This league is on the rise, and I’ll remain its biggest supporter,” he added.

UFL Leadership: “A true legend… but an even better person”

UFL President & CEO Russ Brandon praised Stoops’ enduring influence on the sport—and the league.

“The United Football League wants to congratulate Head Coach Bob Stoops for one of the most accomplished careers in all of head football coaching,” Brandon said. “We are grateful to Bob for his help in building the foundation of our League and Spring Football. Bob is a true legend in the game of football but an even better person.”

Brandon extended the league’s best wishes to Stoops and his family, noting his irreplaceable role in helping elevate spring football to national relevance.

A Lasting Legacy

Stoops leaves behind a coaching tree that spans college and professional football, a trophy case that rivals anyone in the sport, and a reputation as one of the game’s most respected leaders. His fingerprints remain all over the UFL, where he provided instant legitimacy and played a key role in shaping its competitive culture.

As the league continues to grow—with alumni thriving in the NFL and viewership rising—Stoops’ early stewardship will be remembered as foundational.

What’s Next for the Renegades?

The UFL announced it will name Stoops’ successor in the near future, a decision that will shape the immediate trajectory of a Renegades franchise now tasked with replacing one of the most accomplished coaches in American football history.

But for now, the story is Bob Stoops—the man, the coach, and the legend—closing an extraordinary chapter with the same quiet confidence and humility that have defined him for nearly 40 years.

A true giant of the sport steps away, leaving behind a legacy that will echo across both college and spring football for generations.