West Virginia AD: Bedenbaugh accepts OU offer
Published: 2/14/2013 8:24 PM
Last Modified: 2/14/2013 10:54 PM
Bill Bedenbaugh has accepted a coaching position at Oklahoma, West Virginia athletic director Oliver Luck confirmed to the Charleston (W. Va.) Gazette on Thursday night.
Bedenbaugh, 40, has 18 seasons of coaching experience and spent the past two years as West Virginia’s offensive line coach.
OU has not released anything official regarding staff hirings.
Bedenbaugh has a prior coach relationship with Sooners defensive coordinator Mike Stoops. Bedenbaugh coached at Arizona, on Mike Stoops’ staff, between 2007-10. He was offensive line coach all four seasons and added co-offensive coordinator duties to his title in 2010.
Recruiting appears to be a forte. Bedenbaugh was named one of college football’s top 50 recruiters according to 247sports.com, and was listed as one of the Big 12’s top recruiters by Rivals.com.
Bedenbaugh spent seven years at Texas Tech, where he likely created recruiting relationship in the state.
The Sooners entered Thursday with three staff openings following the departures of offensive line coach James Patton, defensive line coach Jackie Shipp and tight end/offensive tackles coach Bruce Kittle.
A number to watch is salary. Bedenbaugh was scheduled to make $300,00 at West Virginia last year. Patton, who coached a similar position, made around $265,000 at OU last season.
Bedenbaugh’s hire would bring him close to family. A native of St. Charles, Ill., his wife Marydee (Connor) Bedenbaugh is an Oklahoma State graduate and her parents reside in Tahlequah.
Written by
Eric Bailey
Sports Writer
