The Oklahoma Sooners boast one of the most storied football programs in NCAA history—a powerhouse defined by winning traditions, conference dominance, Heisman winners, and a lineage of legendary coaches who helped shape college football itself. With over 900 wins, multiple national championships, and an iconic place in Big 12 and national lore, Oklahoma has always been synonymous with elite coaching.
From the leather-helmet days of Bud Wilkinson to the high-octane offenses of the Bob Stoops era, the program has continually evolved while maintaining a winning identity. With Bob Stoops officially retiring from all football-related duties in 2025 after serving as a special assistant and interim head coach in recent years, now is the perfect time to rank the five greatest coaches in Sooners history—and evaluate where “Big Game Bob” fits within that pantheon.
1. Bud Wilkinson (1947–1963)
Record: 145–29–4
National Championships: 3 (1950, 1955, 1956)
Conference Titles: 14
Legacy: Built the Foundation of a Dynasty
There is no Oklahoma football without Bud Wilkinson. Hired at just 31 years old in 1947, Wilkinson transformed OU into a national powerhouse almost immediately. His dominance in the 1950s is almost mythical, and for good reason: he led the Sooners to 47 consecutive victories between 1953 and 1957—a record that still stands today in FBS history.
Wilkinson’s teams were physical, disciplined, and innovative. They introduced advanced techniques and conditioning regimens that were well ahead of their time. He won three national championships and captured 14 conference titles in just 17 seasons. Under Wilkinson, Oklahoma became the gold standard of college football, appearing in multiple Orange Bowls and laying the foundation for future success.
Beyond the wins and trophies, Wilkinson shaped the culture of Oklahoma football—one that values preparation, toughness, and excellence. His legacy as the architect of modern OU football places him securely atop the list.
2. Barry Switzer (1973–1988)
Record: 157–29–4
National Championships: 3 (1974, 1975, 1985)
Conference Titles: 12
Legacy: The King of the Wishbone
If Wilkinson built the house, Barry Switzer furnished it with flair. Switzer was charismatic, rebellious, and wildly successful—making the Sooners not just winners, but cultural icons in the 1970s and 80s. His version of the wishbone offense terrorized defenses and revolutionized how college football was played.
Switzer won three national championships and 12 Big Eight titles during his 16-year reign, never suffering a losing season. His teams were physical bullies, especially in the trenches, and routinely led the nation in rushing. He also recruited with ferocity, bringing in talents like Billy Sims, Tony Casillas, and Brian Bosworth.
Switzer’s edge wasn’t limited to the field. His confidence made him a media darling, but also drew scrutiny amid NCAA violations. Still, his ability to win big games—he posted a career 8–5 bowl record and dominated Texas and Nebraska—cements his legendary status.
By the time he left Norman in 1988, Switzer was the only college coach to win 12 conference titles in 13 seasons. His swagger and success define an unforgettable chapter in Oklahoma’s history.
3. Bob Stoops (1999–2016; interim 2021, 2023)
Record: 191–48
National Championships: 1 (2000)
Conference Titles: 10
Legacy: Restored the Empire
When Bob Stoops was hired in 1999, Oklahoma was in disarray. The program had slipped from its once-lofty perch, having cycled through multiple failed head coaches and endured back-to-back losing seasons. Enter Stoops—a fiery, young defensive coordinator from Florida—who immediately changed the culture.
Stoops’ impact was both immediate and monumental. In just his second season (2000), he led Oklahoma to a perfect 13-0 record and a national championship, defeating Florida State in the Orange Bowl. It was OU’s first title in 15 years, and it signaled that the Sooners were officially back.
Under Stoops, Oklahoma became a perennial title contender once again. He won 10 Big 12 titles, appeared in four national championship games, and coached Heisman winners like Jason White, Sam Bradford, and Baker Mayfield. His teams were known for dynamic offenses, physical defenses, and an unwavering belief in competing at the highest level.
What made Stoops so important was not just his trophy case—it was his ability to bring stability and credibility back to Norman. From 2000 to 2016, Stoops’ Sooners never missed a bowl game. His leadership through the early stages of the NIL and transfer portal eras was marked by professionalism and adaptability.
Even in retirement, Stoops returned to guide the team as interim coach in the 2021 Alamo Bowl and again briefly in 2023, further demonstrating his loyalty to the program. With 191 wins, the most in OU history, Stoops doesn’t just belong in the top 3—he defines the modern Oklahoma era.
4. Lincoln Riley (2017–2021)
Record: 55–10
Conference Titles: 4
Legacy: The QB Whisperer
Though his tenure was brief and controversial at its end, Lincoln Riley’s run as Oklahoma’s head coach was one of the most explosive in school history. Promoted from offensive coordinator in 2017 after Stoops’ retirement, Riley quickly showcased his brilliance, particularly as a developer of elite quarterbacks.
He coached two Heisman Trophy winners (Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray) and helped Jalen Hurts become a Heisman runner-up. Riley’s offenses shattered records and consistently ranked among the best in the nation. His teams reached three consecutive College Football Playoffs from 2017 to 2019.
Riley went 4-for-5 in winning Big 12 titles and compiled a winning percentage of .846—the highest in school history among coaches with more than one full season. However, his abrupt departure to USC in 2021 soured many fans’ perception, especially given the timing and implications for recruiting.
Still, Riley’s impact on OU’s offensive identity, quarterback pipeline, and national prominence during the Playoff era cannot be dismissed. His legacy remains complex, but undeniably impactful.
5. Bennie Owen (1905–1926)
Record: 122–54–16
Conference Titles: 4
Legacy: OU’s Original Football Visionary
Often overlooked due to the era in which he coached, Bennie Owen was the true originator of Oklahoma football success. As the Sooners’ head coach from 1905 to 1926, Owen led the program through its formative years and established its first winning tradition.
He won 122 games, captured four conference titles, and guided Oklahoma to its first undefeated season in 1911. A pioneer in the Southwest, Owen was ahead of his time with offensive schemes and a disciplined coaching philosophy. He also served as athletic director, helping to develop multiple sports programs at the university.
Owen’s influence is immortalized by the naming of the “Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium at Owen Field.” While he never won a national championship, his contributions as a builder and innovator give him rightful place among the top five in OU history.
Honorable Mentions
- Gary Gibbs (1989–1994): Inherited a troubled program post-Switzer and helped stabilize it but lacked signature wins.
- Chuck Fairbanks (1967–1972): Solid record with Big Eight titles, but overshadowed by Switzer’s emergence.
- Howard Schnellenberger (1995): A forgettable one-year tenure that became a punchline in OU history.
Where Does Bob Stoops Rank?
So, the million-dollar question—where does Bob Stoops rank among the greatest coaches in Oklahoma Sooners history?
Answer: Third. Firmly. Unquestionably.
Stoops’ accomplishments, longevity, and program restoration project make him an essential figure in OU’s legacy. While Wilkinson and Switzer delivered more national championships, Stoops took over during one of the darkest periods in Oklahoma history and engineered a remarkable turnaround.
He modernized recruiting, elevated the Sooners into the BCS and CFP eras, and maintained national relevance for nearly two decades. His consistency was unmatched, and he cultivated a coaching tree that includes names like Lincoln Riley, Brent Venables, and Mark Mangino.
Moreover, Stoops was the winningest coach in Oklahoma history and won 10 conference titles during one of the most competitive eras in college football. While he fell short in multiple BCS Championship and CFP games, his sustained excellence outweighs those shortcomings.
Final Rankings:
- Bud Wilkinson – The originator of greatness.
- Barry Switzer – The swagger-filled king of the wishbone.
- Bob Stoops – The man who restored the throne.
- Lincoln Riley – A brief but electrifying reign.
- Bennie Owen – OU’s first football visionary.
