Oklahoma's Stoops to retire, Lincoln Riley to take over as HC

In a stunning move, Oklahoma's Bob Stoops is retiring after 18 seasons with the program, and offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley will take over as head coach, he announced in a statement.

The 56-year-old has been with the Sooners since the 1999 season, posting an 190-48 overall record and capturing the 2000 national championship. He led the program to seven top-five finishes and won the Big 12 Coach of the Year award six times.

"I'm thankful that my career at Oklahoma was marked with consistent leadership in president David Boren and director of athletics Joe Castiglione," Stoops said. "It's extremely rare in college athletics to have no change in these leadership positions over a nearly 20-year span. I always appreciated the way both of them supported me and our program. They both played an enormous role in all our successes."

The Oklahoma program hadn't had a winning season in five years prior to Stoops taking over, but after a 7-5 mark in his first campaign, he turned in a perfect 13-0 record in Year 2.

At just 33 years old, Riley, who won the Broyles Award as the nation's top assistant in 2015, is one of the hottest coaching prospects in the country. He was highly coveted by several schools, but opted to sign an extension through the 2020 season with Oklahoma in May.

While the move will certainly be an adjustment for the Sooners, star quarterback Baker Mayfield will return for his senior season, and his relationship with Riley should help the program maintain its level of excellence going forward.

"The coaching life is like a relay race and I'm thankful for my turn and am confident as I pass the baton. Carol and I intend on staying in Norman - it is our home," Stoops said. "I will be available to coach Riley and the athletic department in any manner. Thank you all for a lifetime of memories we shared together of 10 conference championships, the 2000 national championship, strong relationships with players and coaches, and the great Oklahoma football fans. Boomer!"