ARLINGTON, TX – December 16, 2025 – Bob Stoops, former head coach of the Dallas Renegades, announced his retirement yesterday, closing a storied career that spanned the UFL, XFL and the NCAA. The Renegades’ 2023 XFL Championship-winning coach has stepped away from the game that has defined his life.
Following a four-year career as a starting defensive back at the University of Iowa, Stoops immediately pursued a future in coaching. After multiple stints in assistant and coordinator roles, he was named head coach at the University of Oklahoma in 1999.
Stoops spent 18 seasons at the helm of the Sooners, compiling an impressive 190-48 (.798) overall record. He led Oklahoma to the 2000 BCS National Championship, finishing the season undefeated. In all, Stoops guided the Sooners to four BCS National Championship Game appearances. During his early years in Norman, he earned the nickname “Big Game Bob” after leading Oklahoma to an outstanding 18-2 record against ranked opponents from 1999-2003.
After briefly retiring from coaching in 2017, Stoops returned to the sidelines in 2019 as head coach and general manager of the Dallas Renegades of the XFL. Following the league’s shutdown due to COVID-19 in 2020, he resumed coaching the then Arlington Renegades in 2023, 2024, and 2025. With that, Stoops’ spring football legacy was firmly established.
Bob Stoops’ Top 5 UFL/XFL Moments
1. 2023 XFL Championship Victory
In his first full season as head coach of the Renegades, Stoops guided Arlington to a second-place finish in the XFL South Division. His reign didn’t end in the regular season, as he delivered the franchise its first-ever title by capturing the 2023 XFL Championship. The Renegades pulled off a major upset over the DC Defenders – a team that finished 9-1 during the regular season – winning a battle of attrition, 35–26. Stoops set a championship standard for Renegades football and solidified himself as a title-winning coach at multiple levels of the game.
2. 200th Career Coaching Win vs. St. Louis Battlehawks
After a career filled with fall Saturdays ending in victory, win No. 200 came on a spring day in Arlington. Stoops reached the milestone on May 25, 2024, when the Renegades defeated the St. Louis Battlehawks at Choctaw Stadium in Arlington. The moment marked another chapter in Stoops’ legacy, extending his impact into spring football and becoming a point of pride for players, staff, and fans alike.
3. 2023 South Division Championship vs. Houston Roughnecks
The postseason run that led to Arlington’s championship was nothing short of a gauntlet. Before the Renegades’ massive title-game upset over DC, they had to get past the 7-3 Houston Roughnecks. Stoops guided quarterback Luis “The Spring King” Perez to three passing touchdowns in each of the two postseason games, while the defense held Houston to just 93 passing yards. Arlington dominated in all three phases, never surrendered the lead, and claimed the South Division Championship with a 26-11 road victory.
4. 2025 Home Victory Over St. Louis Battlehawks
One of the most dramatic defensive moments in franchise history came during a home win over the St. Louis Battlehawks. Arlington led by one possession with just 33 seconds remaining, as St. Louis lined up at the three-yard line threatening to tie or take the lead. Instead, a 100-yard pick-six flipped the script and sealed the 30-15 victory for Stoops’ squad.
5. 2025 Season Opener vs. San Antonio Brahmas
In his final regular season with Arlington, Stoops began the year in fitting fashion – with a win. The Renegades hosted the San Antonio Brahmas and secured a dominant 33-9 victory. It was another defensive masterpiece, allowing just one touchdown late in the fourth quarter. The performance also marked Arlington’s highest-scoring offensive output of the season.
Following the announcement of Bob Stoops’ retirement, some of his former Renegades reflected on his lasting impact.
Marvin Sanders, Defensive Backs Coach:
“After being with Coach Stoops the past few years, it’s not surprising how successful he has been both on and off the field. His leadership style – giving ownership to his coaches and players while providing a clear vision – is something I will always cherish. More importantly, the value he places on building strong relationships within his football family is unmatched.”
Luis Perez, Quarterback:
“An amazing coach, but an even better person. It was truly an honor to be coached by Coach Stoops. His leadership, humility, and commitment to doing things the right way went far beyond football. He set the standard not just for winning, but for character, accountability, and respect.”
Marquette King, Punter:
“Coach Stoops, the bond we shared went far beyond the game. It was rooted in real life, understanding, and growth. Your guidance has always been about more than just football – it’s been about life lessons that will last a lifetime.”
Amani Bledsoe, Defensive End:
“My time playing for Coach Stoops at OU and with the Renegades has been an absolute blessing. Being coached by someone of his caliber is something few players experience. The lessons I learned on and off the field will stay with me forever.”
Donald Payne, Linebacker:
“Playing for Coach Stoops has been a tremendous blessing. He’s a Hall of Fame coach who’s as real and genuine as they come. We’ll always be connected as 2023 XFL Champions.”
Willie Taylor, Defensive End:
“It’s been an honor to play for Coach Stoops the past three seasons. I’ll always be grateful for his leadership and support. Congratulations on a hell of a career – enjoy retirement.”
Bob Stoops leaves behind a legacy of excellence, leadership, and championship pedigree that spans college and spring football, forever shaping the players, programs, and leagues he touched.