Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops abruptly retires after 18 seasons

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Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops during the annual Oklahoma NCAA college spring football game in Norman, Okla., Saturday, April 8, 2017. Photo: Associated Press/(AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

CLIFF BRUNT, AP Sports Writer
NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — Bob Stoops has decided to retire as Oklahoma’s football coach after 18 seasons that included the 2000 national championship and 10 Big 12 Conference titles.

Stoops says the time is right to conclude his run in charge of the Sooners. The 56-year-old Stoops is a sure bet for the Hall of Fame.

Oklahoma says 33-year-old offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley is being promoted to head coach, making him the youngest head coach in the Bowl Subdivision.

Bob Stoops retires after remarkable 18-year run. Lincoln Riley named head coach.

Release ➡️ https://t.co/fZbzY608PE pic.twitter.com/aTfOcxOeml

— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) June 7, 2017

Stoops was the longest-tenured active coach in major college football. In 18 seasons with the Sooners, Stoops was 190-48.

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College Football Writer Ralph D. Russo contributed to this report.

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