XFL fans would be excited to know there’s interest from two legendary college coaches: Steve Spurrier and Bob Stoops.
Now XFL fans know Bob Stoops very well from his time coaching the Dallas Renegades last season. What many don’t know is if he would return to the XFL next season or not.
The Athletic’s Jason Kersey released his article Thursday tackling Stoops’ second act after leaving Oklahoma.
During the article, there is a section discussing Stoops’ short time in the XFL last season. This part of the article included a quote from former Florida and South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier. He mentioned in the quote about both coaches’ interest in returning to college. Spurrier hinted at the idea that spring leagues like the XFL could be an option.
“He’s sort of like all of us,” Spurrier said of Stoops. “I don’t really consider myself retired. Bob is content, just like I am. We don’t have much desire to coach in college anymore, but those four-to-six month spring things would probably get our attention in the future.”
There’s been no secret that Spurrier has mentioned before his interest in coaching an XFL team in the state of Florida like the Tampa Bay Vipers. This is the first time though that XFL fans have an idea on what Stoops is thinking during this time. Stoops was asked about the closure of the XFL after it happened in April due to COVID-19.
“Unfortunate,” Stoops said after the XFL closed it doors. “It was no one’s fault. I don’t think it’s even fair to fault (owner) Vince McMahon, either. At the end of the day, this virus situation has changed lives for everybody.”
Stoops was the first hire the XFL 2.0 to lead the Dallas Renegades franchise. He led Dallas to a 2-3 season in five games and was sitting tied for second in the west division with the LA Wildcats.
Telling Signs That Spurrier and Stoops Could Join XFL 3.0
The truth of that matter is this doesn’t necessarily mean that Stoops is returning and it doesn’t mean Spurrier will coach in the XFL. It has to be a good sign for fans though to get a better idea of who is interested.
Spurrier found success in the AAF with the Orlando Apollos going 7-1 in their only season in 2019. Despite the season not finishing, many fans have claimed the Apollos to be the champions of the league. It was a perfect situation for Spurrier staying in Florida and not having to go through the demands of a college football season.
Stoops seems to be in a similar spot in his career where he doesn’t want to go through the hardships of college football. He’s looking for a job that can keep him in coaching while not having the stresses that he would have with Oklahoma. The XFL and its fans embraced him.
While there’s many uncertainties with the latest XFL, this could be a positive sign that Stoops and Spurrier could be on the list of coaches to bring in. It’s a win-win situation for both coaches and the XFL. The league gets two legendary coaches and both coaches get to coach without much stress. Fans have to hope that both guys can join the fold and bring some excitement into the upcoming season.
Milton Pender
September 3, 2020 at 5:26 pm
As a fan it would be great to see these two coaches on the sidelines coaching XFL teams! Coach Stoops back with Dallas and Coach Spurrier perhaps coaching the Florida team! With an open HC position in Washington with the DC Defenders perhaps the former Viper’s coach could be hired to fill that position. Would seem like a win, win for everyone!