A DECADE AGO, just after a 40-6 loss to Clemson in the Russell Athletic Bowl, Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops called longtime assistant Cale Gundy. Stoops asked Gundy if he could meet him at Bison Witches in downtown Norman. There, Stoops told Gundy he was going to fire his offensive coordinator, Josh Heupel.
The Sooners had just suffered through their worst season under Stoops. TCU and Kansas State upset them. Baylor blew them out. And Oklahoma State, propelled by Tyreek Hill’s punt return, rallied to win a Bedlam overtime thriller
Heupel later proved to be a valued assistant during the Sooners’ prolific run through the 2000s. He mentored Heisman Trophy-winning quarterbacks Jason White and Sam Bradford. In 2011, Heupel became offensive coordinator, and over the next four seasons, OU averaged 475 yards per game, 10th best in college football during that span.
Heupel later proved to be a valued assistant during the Sooners’ prolific run through the 2000s. He mentored Heisman Trophy-winning quarterbacks Jason White and Sam Bradford. In 2011, Heupel became offensive coordinator, and over the next four seasons, OU averaged 475 yards per game, 10th best in college football during that span.
A DECADE AGO, just after a 40-6 loss to Clemson in the Russell Athletic Bowl, Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops called longtime assistant Cale Gundy. Stoops asked Gundy if he could meet him at Bison Witches in downtown Norman. There, Stoops told Gundy he was going to fire his offensive coordinator, Josh Heupel.
The Sooners had just suffered through their worst season under Stoops. TCU and Kansas State upset them. Baylor blew them out. And Oklahoma State, propelled by Tyreek Hill’s punt return, rallied to win a Bedlam overtime thriller
But in 2014, Stoops realized that his Sooners needed a spark. And so, shortly after meeting Gundy, Stoops fired Heupel, later calling it the “worst day” in his 18 years as OU’s coach.
But in 2014, Stoops realized that his Sooners needed a spark. And so, shortly after meeting Gundy, Stoops fired Heupel, later calling it the “worst day” in his 18 years as OU’s coach.