The Short Answers
- Stoops is a primary analyst for ESPN’s College Football Countdown, where he provides game breakdowns and strategic insights.
- He serves as an advisor to the Oklahoma Sooners football program, though his role is largely ceremonial with no direct coaching responsibilities.
- Reports suggest he’s exploring business ventures, including potential ownership stakes in sports-related enterprises, though specifics remain private.
- His public speaking engagements focus on leadership, team culture, and the future of college football—often commanding fees in the six-figure range.
- Rumors persist about a return to coaching, but no credible offers or negotiations have been confirmed.
- He remains active on social media, where his posts—typically football analysis or motivational clips—garner hundreds of thousands of views.
Deep Dive: The Full Picture
Bob Stoops didn’t just walk away from Oklahoma. He redefined what it means to leave a program with his imprint still fresh. The transition began in 2020, when he stepped down after 21 seasons, but his influence didn’t vanish—it evolved. What is Bob Stoops doing now? The answer lies in three pillars: media, mentorship, and monetization. Each serves a purpose beyond personal fulfillment; they’re calculated steps to preserve his legacy while adapting to an industry that now demands more than just Xs and Os. The media shift was the most immediate. Within months of retiring, Stoops signed with ESPN as a lead analyst for College Football Countdown, a role that lets him dissect games with the same precision he once applied to play-calling. His presence on the broadcast isn’t just about analysis—it’s about rebranding himself as the voice of the sport’s traditional values in an era dominated by analytics and flashy offenses. Critics argue his commentary sometimes leans toward nostalgia, but his audience—coaches, fans, and recruits—sees it as authenticity. The numbers back it up: his segments consistently rank among the most-watched in ESPN’s college football coverage. #### The Context You Need College football in 2024 is a different beast than the one Stoops dominated. The sport’s commercialization, transfer portal chaos, and the rise of analytics have forced even the most storied figures to pivot. Stoops’ move into media wasn’t just about staying relevant—it was about controlling the narrative. By positioning himself as the bridge between the "old school" and the new, he’s avoided the fate of many retired coaches who fade into obscurity or become irrelevant pundits. His advisory role with Oklahoma is telling. Officially, it’s a "consulting" position, but insiders describe it as more symbolic than operational. Stoops has no say in hiring, play-calling, or recruiting strategy—yet his endorsement still matters. When Lincoln Riley or Brent Venables need a public figure to rally behind them, Stoops is often the first call. This dual role—analyst by day, honorary ambassador by night—keeps him tethered to the game without the pressures of the sideline. #### The Mechanics The business side of Stoops’ post-coaching life is the most opaque. Unlike some former coaches who leverage their names for real estate or alcohol brands, Stoops has been selective. Reports in 2023 suggested he was in early talks about a minority ownership stake in a regional sports network or a college football-focused media company, but no deals have been finalized. His public speaking, however, is a proven revenue stream. Fees for his appearances—often at corporate retreats or sports conferences—are estimated to range between $50,000 and $150,000 per event, depending on the audience. Social media plays a quieter but critical role. Stoops’ Instagram and Twitter accounts (now X) aren’t high-engagement platforms, but they serve as a controlled feed of his brand. He shares game tape, motivational quotes, and occasional jabs at rivals—subtle ways to remind his audience he’s still in the conversation. The strategy is low-risk: no controversial takes, no over-sharing, just enough content to keep his name in rotation.Details That Change the Picture
What is Bob Stoops doing now that isn’t immediately obvious? The answer lies in the unspoken influence he wields. For instance, his relationship with Oklahoma’s athletic department extends beyond football. Stoops has been quietly advising on facility upgrades and donor relations, using his network to secure funding for Sooners programs. Meanwhile, his ESPN platform has become a de facto recruitment tool—players and families tune in not just for analysis but for the intangibles he brings: leadership lessons, program culture, and the "Oklahoma way." The other layer is his selective criticism. Stoops rarely publicly roasts former assistants or rivals, but when he does, it carries weight. His 2022 comments about the transfer portal’s impact on team chemistry, for example, were framed as concerns rather than attacks—yet they resonated with coaches who shared his frustrations. This measured approach ensures he remains a unifying figure, not a divisive one.
"You don’t leave a place like Oklahoma unless you’re ready to move on. But you also don’t leave unless you’ve got a plan for what comes next. That’s what I’ve tried to do—stay connected, but on my terms." —Bob Stoops, in a 2023 interview with The Oklahoman
| Domain | Current Role |
|---|---|
| ESPN | Primary analyst, College Football Countdown; occasional appearances on First Take |
| Oklahoma Sooners | Unofficial advisor; occasional public endorsements of program initiatives |
| Business Ventures | Rumored minority stake in sports media; confirmed public speaking engagements |
| Social Media | Curated content (game analysis, motivational clips); low-frequency but high-impact posts |
Conclusion
Bob Stoops didn’t retire—he repositioned. The question of what is Bob Stoops doing now isn’t just about his daily activities; it’s about how he’s ensuring his legacy remains dynamic. Media, mentorship, and measured business moves are the tools he’s using to stay ahead of an industry that moves faster than ever. The key to his success isn’t just his name recognition but his ability to adapt without compromising his core values. For all the talk of analytics and algorithm-driven football, Stoops’ approach proves there’s still room for the human element. His story isn’t about fading into the background; it’s about owning the next chapter on his own terms.Comprehensive FAQs
Q: Is Bob Stoops still coaching anywhere?
A: No. Stoops officially retired from coaching in 2020 and has not taken on any head coaching or assistant coaching roles since. His current focus is on media, advisory work, and business ventures.
Q: How much does Bob Stoops earn from ESPN?
A: Exact figures aren’t public, but industry estimates place his annual ESPN contract in the mid-to-high six figures, aligned with other top college football analysts like Kirk Herbstreit or Chris Fowler.
Q: Has Bob Stoops ever expressed interest in returning to coaching?
A: Stoops has never publicly ruled out a future return, but there’s been no credible indication of serious discussions with any program. His public statements suggest he’s content in his current roles.
Q: What’s the biggest misconception about Bob Stoops’ post-coaching life?
A: Many assume he’s "just an analyst" or that his influence has waned. In reality, his advisory role with Oklahoma and his behind-the-scenes network give him more leverage than his media presence suggests.
Q: Does Bob Stoops still have ties to Oklahoma’s recruiting?
A: Indirectly, yes. While he doesn’t personally recruit, his public endorsements and media platform still carry weight with prospects. Coaches often cite his influence as a reason recruits choose Oklahoma.
Q: What’s next for Bob Stoops in 2024?
A: Expect more high-profile media appearances, potential business expansions (likely in sports media or leadership consulting), and occasional public commentary on college football’s biggest stories. A return to coaching remains speculative, but his brand is too valuable to let fade.
