Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops wasted little time plotting the course for OU’s offense after Chuck Long’s departure to San Diego State.
Saturday, he promoted offensive line coach Kevin Wilson to offensive coordinator.
“Kevin Wilson will be the offensive coordinator for the Holiday Bowl and will be our offensive coordinator after that as well,” Stoops said.
Wilson joined the Sooner staff on Dec. 19, 2001 as run-game coordinator and offensive line coach. Although he was given the title of co-offensive coordinator for this season, Long was responsible for play-calling and recognized as the Sooners’ first offensive assistant.
Prior to coming to OU, Wilson was the offensive coordinator at Northwestern (1999-2001) and Miami of Ohio (1992-1998).
Wilson’s promotion fell in line with what Stoops has done each time a coordinator has left for a head-coaching job. Mark Mangino was promoted from run-game coordinator when Mike Leach left following the 1999 regular season. Long was promoted from pass-game coordinator when Mangino left following the 2001 regular season.
The same happened when Brent Venables became OU’s defensive coordinator following Mike Stoops’ departure in 2003.
Stoops doesn’t believe the switch will affect his team. This is the fourth time in seven years OU has had a coordinator leave prior to a bowl game.
“On our end, we don’t anticipate a major disruption,” he said. “We have always felt that the sum of our parts is greater than any one individual. Our players understand how college football works and they also know that this is a positive reflection on them as well.”
OU faces No. 6 Oregon in the Holiday Bowl Dec. 29 and is in the middle of game-planning.
All three of the previous coordinators that took head-coaching positions left the program immediately, but Long will remain with the Sooners in a reduced capacity through the Holiday Bowl.
The Sooners leave for San Diego Dec. 23 and will practice at the Aztecs’ facilities.
“Since we are practicing at San Diego State for the bowl game, Chuck will spend some time with us in assisting our preparation,” Stoops said. “But Kevin will be the coordinator leading up to the game and on game night.”
The only question left is deciding what type of position coach OU will hire for its offensive staff.
“I will decide fairly quickly how we will complete the staff,” Stoops said. “I have a direction in mind and I will work towards that … (I) plan to meet with our staff (today) and determine the way we will go.”
John Shinn366-3536jshinn@normantranscript.com
OU Sports
Stoops takes long view, goes with Wilson
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