In the early 2000s, with the same defensive coordinator they have now, Mike Stoops’ defensive unit was actually the strength of the rejuvenated Oklahoma team. The Sooners ranked in the top-10 nationally in total defense for four straight seasons from 2000 to 2003. Those OU teams were especially strong in the defensive secondary.
Mike Stoops left the team after the 2003 season to take the head job at Arizona. He was let go at Arizona in 2011 and returned to join brother Bob, as defensive coordinator and assistant head coach of the Sooners, in 2012.