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From one former Oklahoma Hall of Fame coach to another, Bob Stoops has never been shy about his admiration for Barry Switzer.
The latest example of that came on Monday morning, with Stoops chiming in on a viral photo of Switzer, in reference to the “No Kings” protest of President Donald Trump.
Agreed! https://t.co/f52jQEbhbu
— Bob Stoops (@CoachBobStoops) June 16, 2025
In the rich history of Oklahoma football, few names carry as much weight as Barry Switzer and Bob Stoops. Together, the two legendary head coaches have defined the Sooners’ modern identity — one with a swagger built in the ’70s and ’80s, the other forged in the grit of the 2000s.
But beyond their national titles and packed trophy cases lies a lasting relationship rooted in respect, legacy, and a shared love for OU football.
When Lincoln Riley took over in 2017, Stoops didn’t vanish, and neither did Switzer. But when Brent Venables was hired in 2021 and Stoops coached the Alamo Bowl as interim, Switzer stood firmly behind him, tweeting and speaking pub licly about Stoops’ steady hand and the program’s need for continuity.
Even now, in 2025, Stoops and Switzer remain staples in Norman. Both are often seen at games, alumni events, and media appearances, still deeply intertwined with OU’s fabric, frequently showing mutual support, and sometimes even sharing a stage or sideline.
While the “No Kings” protest realistically has nothing to do with football, it’s still pretty cool to see the relationship between Bob Stoops and Barry Switzer continue to flourish.
Together, they represent the gold standard at Oklahoma and a model for how coaching legacies can uplift rather than overshadow.
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Dallas Stars lock up one of the league's best players with massive extension today in hockey history
The Dallas Stars have had many defining moments in their history, but few symbolize loyalty and leadership like Mike Modano's contract extension in the early 2000s. On August 21, 2003, the Stars officially locked up their franchise icon with an extension that cemented his role as the face of hockey in Texas. The move wasn't just about keeping a superstar forward, it was about keeping the identity of the Stars firmly tied to one of the most respected players in the game. Mike Modano's extension showed his loyalty and lasting impact on the Dallas Stars At the time, speculation lingered about whether Modano might test the waters elsewhere. Instead, he reaffirmed his commitment to Dallas, the franchise that had drafted him first overall back in 1988 when they were still the Minnesota North Stars. "This team, this city, it means everything to me. Staying here was the only choice that felt right," Modano said during the press conference announcing the deal. Those words resonated with fans, as his decision represented stability during an era when star players often left in search of bigger contracts. The extension also ensured that Modano would continue climbing the NHL record books in a Stars uniform. He went on to become the all-time American-born leader in goals and points, a record that defined his Hall of Fame career. Looking back, the August 21 signing stands as a cornerstone moment in Dallas Stars history. I think it was one of the smartest moves the franchise ever made, keeping Modano in green not only secured wins on the ice but also preserved a legacy that still inspires players today.
Former Yankees Outfielder Rips Aaron Boone, Brian Cashman
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Justin Verlander needs to listen to Father Time despite desire to keep pitching
San Francisco Giants pitcher Justin Verlander had another rough outing on Thursday. The future Hall of Famer allowed seven runs on seven hits and a walk over his 4.1 innings, striking out four as the Padres defeated the Giants 8-4. His outing ended a streak where Verlander had allowed one or fewer runs in four of his previous five outings. The 42-year-old Verlander has been inconsistent at best this season, posting a 4.64 ERA and a 1.437 WHIP over his 110.2 innings, striking out 99 batters with 37 walks. This follows an injury-plagued 2024 campaign where Verlander posted 5.48 ERA and a 1.384 WHIP in 90.1 innings. Verlander, meanwhile, insists that he is not done. John Shea of the San Francisco Standard reported that Verlander wants to pitch in 2026. That desire does have a caveat — if Verlander suffers a significant injury, he said he is not interested in a lengthy rehab process to get back on the mound. "The ball’s rolling in the right direction, and I would like to continue pitching. You never know. It’s a fickle game too, but I think the stuff is still there," Verlander said. Verlander had been a workhorse earlier in his career, pitching at least 180 innings in all but one season from 2006 through 2019. He came back from Tommy John surgery that cost him most of 2020 and all of the 2021 season, winning the AL Cy Young award with a major league-leading 1.75 ERA and a 0.829 WHIP over his 175 innings, striking out 185 batters with 25 walks in his age 39 season in 2022. Verlander is a nine-time All-Star, won three Cy Young awards and was named the 2011 AL MVP and the 2006 AL Rookie of the Year. Those innings have taken their toll on Verlander. He has battled injuries over the past few years and has been below replacement level since the start of 2024. While he may want to return in 2026, his body and performance are telling a different story.
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