Mike Stoops’ next move means he’ll be plotting against Oklahoma

Longtime college football defensive mind Mike Stoops, brother of Oklahoma legend Bob Stoops, has found his next destination, and it's not a third stint with the Sooners.

Zach Berry of On3's The Ole Miss Spirit reported on Wednesday that Ole Miss added Mike to its defensive staff for the 2026 college football season. Mike was looking for a new job after his brother, Mark Stoops, was fired as Kentucky's head coach. Mike had been the Wildcats' inside linebackers coach the past four seasons under his brother.

Mike Stoops’ next stop is one of Oklahoma’s SEC rivals

A return to Oklahoma seemed like a real possibility for Mike, not only considering his ties to the Sooners, but also his long history with OU head coach Brent Venables.