By John Shinn
Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops did his best to stamp out rumors he was a candidate to become the Dallas Cowboys’ next coach Tuesday.
In a two-sentence statement released by OU, Stoops said he has no plans on leaving Norman.
“To end speculation here in the heart of recruiting, I want to make it clear that I am not interested in any other coaching positions at this time,” he said. “I am too excited about our future at Oklahoma and the program we’re continuing to build.”
Stoops, who just completed his eighth season at OU, has been mentioned as a possible successor to Bill Parcells in Dallas. Rumors of the Sooner coach possibly leaping to the NFL began almost immediately after Parcells announced his resignation Monday morning.
Stoops has been thought to be a candidate for other positions without seemingly taking himself out of the running so quickly.
Eliminating any doubt about his future is critical for Stoops and the rest of the Sooner coaching staff. January is the meat of the recruiting season and questions about Stoops’ future in Norman can create doubt with recruits.
Most of the coaching staff is on the recruiting trail this week.
National signing day is Feb. 7.
John Shinn366-3536jshinn@normantranscript.com
