No kidding, Bob Stoops is done

June 26, 2017 at 12:05a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN

Bob Stoops isn’t sure what he’s going to do since retiring from coaching football, but maybe some time in his hometown will help.

“It’s only been a few weeks. I’m still figuring it out,” Stoops said Sunday. “Right now, it’s fun being back here with family and friends and being in this community.”

The recently retired Oklahoma football coach was back in his native Youngstown for the Cardinal Mooney Annual Bocce Social, a fund-raiser for the Ron Stoops Jr. and Anthony Pelini Memorial Foundation.

Stoops reconnected with family and a couple of his former Big 12 rivals like former Nebraska and current Youngstown State coach Bo Pelini and former Kansas coach Mark Mangino.

Stoops shocked the college football world with his retirement earlier this month, handing the reins over to offensive coordinator Lincoln Reilly.

Stoops coached the Sooners for 18 seasons with one national title and 10 Big 12 titles to his name. Stoops insists his exit was not because of any incident or his health.

“It was on my terms. I’ve left the program in great position to move forward,” Stoops said. “I had a great run and it was just the right time.”

Stoops, 56, was two years older than when his father, Ron Sr., died of a heart attack after coaching Cardinal Mooney in a game against Boardman.

“Again, there’s no issues with me, but you’re aware of it and it’s something to consider,” Stoops said.

The social at MVR was where Stoops did his first interviews since leaving the Sooners. One of the outlets that spoke with him was Barstool Sports, a national sports outlet that covers sports from a satirical angle. Its personalities go by nicknames instead of using their real names. They had Stoops and Pelini conduct interviews in the back of a rusty Chevy van.

Barstool has something of a rapport with Youngstown and the Penguins coach. One of its interns is Canfield graduate Justin Summer. After Pelini appeared on the Barstool podcast last May, they’ve been in touch ever since.

“Bo is the best because you never know if you’re in or you’re out of his circle of trust. I think we’re in, but every now and then he puts you on the hot seat,” said Dan “Big Cat” Katz. “It’s a good thing when you’re on Bo’s hot seat. It means he cares and it’s a lot of fun.”

Some of the subjects Big Cat, PFT and the other Barstool Sports characters covered with Pelini in the time they’ve come to know each other include whether or not Les Miles eats grass and whether Pelini and his brother Carl could take former NFL coaching brothers Rex and Rob Ryan in either a drinking or wrestling contest. Bo played along.

“They’re awesome, they came here to promote the event and they’re good guys,” Pelini said. “You talk to the younger kids and that’s where they get their news and sports. I think they do a great job and I really appreciate them coming out here.”

When it was Stoops’ turn in the van, the crew tried to see what it would take to get him put the headset back on and he didn’t budge. They also asked if a home he recently purchased in Chicago was a sign that he was interested in a possible NFL job. Basically, no amount of money or persuasion will get Stoops back on the sideline.

“Why would I have stepped away from a great program and a great job?” Stoops said. “I would have continued to do what I was doing if I still wanted to coach.”

Stoops said he enjoyed his time in the van. His advice to coaches who want the longevity he had: just enjoy it.

“I felt like I haven’t worked a day in my life,” Stoops said.