By SCHUYLER DIXON , AP Sports Writer
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Former Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops is coming out of retirement to lead the new Dallas franchise in the reincarnation of the XFL.
Stoops was named coach and general manager of the Dallas team Thursday at the home of baseball’s Texas Rangers. It will be the home field for the XFL franchise when the league starts in the spring of 2020. The Rangers are moving into a new stadium across the street from Globe Life Park.
The 58-year-old Stoops was vague about the reasons when he abruptly retired less than two years ago. His surprising decision to step aside for young offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley came in June 2017.
The Sooners won 10 Big 12 championships and a national title in 18 seasons under Stoops. At the time, Riley was 33 and became the youngest head coach in FBS. Oklahoma has reached the College Football Playoff both years under Riley, losing in the semifinals each time.
The original XFL was disbanded following its inaugural season in 2001. Wrestling entrepreneur Vince McMahon is backing the venture again.