Is the XFL on the verge of landing their first big named coach? The latest XFL rumor has some solid credibility behind it, and for the league’s sake, this could be big. After all, when you are prepping to go up against the NFL, you need to make very bold moves.

Former OU coach headed to XFL?

According to a Saturday Down South report, former Oklahoma Sooners' head coach Bob Stoops has the itch to get back on the sidelines – and he may want in on the ground level of the new XFL. Vince McMahon has made it clear to anyone who will listen that he is determined this time around to have success with the XFL.

Signing someone with the background and credentials like Stoops would be a huge plus.

Ever since Bob Stoops retired in 2017, he has been rumored on several head coaching jobs in both college and pro football. Now he is on the XFL’s radar – and it looks like the feeling is mutual.

NFL reporter Benjamin Allbright tweeted out that Stoops may be looking to coach in the new XFL. If an XFL franchise lands Stoops, it will be a nice early feather in McMahon’s cap as it will bring some instant credibility to the reformed league.

Players will follow

While many fans are scoffing at the idea of the XFL doing well, don’t underestimate it. Both the USFL and Arena Football had great success for multiple years. Yes, the NFL may be king, but it shows that sports fans love football so much that they would go watch another product if the talent were there.

If the XFL can land Stoops, and a few other big named coaches, the players will follow.

Right now, there are many talented former college stars who are under 30 that would love to give football one more shot.

Players like former Navy star quarterback Keenan Reynolds, Clemson QB Tajh Boyd, Heisman winner Johnny Manziel and Tim Tebow (if he isn’t playing baseball that is) would all be great for the league in its infant stages.

All of them were great in college and are still young and athletic enough to make the jump to the XFL. Plus, having a better than average quarterback for a team just starting out is a big plus not just for the team, but for audience appeal. Another reason to give it a try if you are a former player? The pay. Unlike the first time around, McMahon knows he has to pay a competitive salary to draw in bigger names and is planning on doing just that.

The XFL is scheduled to kick off one year from now in eight cities including Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, St. Louis, Seattle, Tampa Bay and Washington, D.C.