There is more to X’s and O’s to running a football program, especially one that needs rejuvenating, and something as simple as sending a Christmas card to those buying tickets is an idea that makes me wonder why no other UK coach has tried it before.
Stoops has adjusted nicely to dealing with details like that after being the defensive coordinator at Florida State, where he didn't have to worry about things like that.
“That is new. It’s something that I am comfortable with being around my brothers and coaching with my brother Mike. Seeing him start that program (at Arizona) and go out and do the things you’re talking about and greet people and shake hands and talk I think helped prepare me for this situation,” Stoops said.
“Of course, watching Bob for all these years, really keeping a close eye on the way he does things (at Oklahoma), because I just admire the way he handles himself. I’ve watched him for a long time, and being a part of it with Mike, I think, gives me a lot of experience other first-year head coaches don’t have.
“And then, of course, being in the situation at Florida State and being such a high-profile school, and the great importance that you have there. I think it prepares me. But I understand I’ve still got some work to do and that’s understandable. I’m doing the best I can.”
Stoops said there have been no “big surprises” during his first 2 1/2 weeks on the job, but things have been “overwhelming” at times.
“I don’t think there’s any way around that for anybody, whether you’ve been a head coach or not — maybe it helps, I’m sure it probably helps if you’ve been a head coach. But I know Bobby told me that before I took it, and Mike, that the couple first days your head would be spinning and you’d sit there and ask yourself, ‘What in the world have you done to yourself?’ because your life certainly has changed,” he said. “And it has.
“My wife has gotten a little bit mad at me from time to time because for the last 2 1/2 weeks I haven’t even had much time to even talk on the phone and check in on the boys. That’s been difficult on the family, and we understand that goes with the territory. My wife does a good job keeping me grounded at times.”
