Toby Rowland and Dave Carty 
OKBlitz.com Staff

OKLAHOMA CITY -- It’s that time of year again.

The first coaching rumors of the college football hiring season are in the air. And Oklahoma’s gusty winds are blowing Windy City rumors all across the Sooner State.

According to a report from Brian Hanley of the Chicago Sun-Times, OU head coach Bob Stoops would be in the mix to replace Charlie Weis as head coach at the University of Notre Dame should he be fired after season's end.

The same source said Stoops told friends that he would be interested in discussing the position.

Also in the mix, writes Hanley, is current University of Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz, whose agent Neil Cornrich also represents Stoops. Other rumored candidates for the job include University of Cincinnati head coach Brian Kelly and former Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden.

Sources within the Oklahoma football program told OKBlitz.com anchor/reporter Toby Rowland not to believe the Chicago Sun-Times report. One source said he believes Oklahoma will be Bob Stoops’ last coaching stop.

In late 2004, Stoops was mentioned as a candidate to replace Tyrone Willingham after he was fired before the team’s bowl game.

More attractive openings could become available for Stoops. Should a position open up with the Cleveland Browns, Stoops, a Youngstown, Ohio native, could be considered for the position. Same goes for a potential opening in Dallas if the Cowboys decide to terminate Wade Phillips.

Stoops is expected to address the media tonight following a team practice.
 
OKBlitz.com anchor/reporter J.B. Long wrote in his blog that South Bend would be a step down for Stoops. Long, a Notre Dame grad, believes the spot will be open at the end of the season, but is skeptical that Stoops will leave Norman.
 
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