University of Oklahoma head football coach Bob Stoops announced the firings of co-offensive coordinators Jay Norvell and Josh Heupel Tuesday morning after a tumultuous 8-5 season that culminated with a 40-6 loss Dec. 29 to Clemson in the Russell Athletic Bowl.
“By no means are they scapegoats. The bottom line is, I feel moving forward we need to go in a different direction,” Stoops said. “I thank them for what they have contributed, their dedication, and hard work through all these years, and I’m sure they’ll continue to have successful coaching careers as they move forward.”
Stoops also announced defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery would be promoted, joining Bob Stoops’ brother Mike Stoops as the team’s co-defensive coordinator.
“He’s a guy that has really contributed a lot the last several years, and [I] feel that will also be a plus for us,” Stoops said.
Heupel confirmed his departure earlier Tuesday morning on Twitter.
— Josh Heupel (@OU_CoachHeupel) January 6, 2015
Oklahoma won the Sugar Bowl at the end of last season and entered this season with national championship hopes and a No. 4 ranking.
“I’m more determined than ever to get Oklahoma back in the position to compete for national championships,” Stoops said. “I’m anxious and excited to move forward and make improvements.”
The Sooners won five of their first six, but ended the regular season with a stunning overtime loss to Oklahoma State.
Heupel won a national championship as a quarterback at Oklahoma in 2000. He became the school's quarterbacks coach in 2005, then moved up to co-offensive coordinator in Dec. 2010.
Norvell joined the staff in 2008 as assistant offensive coordinator and receivers coach.
Stoops also announced heralded wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham declared for the NFL draft after having never played a down for OU. Green-Beckham transferred to the Sooners after being dismissed from the University of Missouri for a variety of legal issues.
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.
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