College Football: Top 15 Defensive coordinators in 2015

Oct 11, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive coordinator Mike Stoops smiles prior to the game against the Texas Longhorns during the Red River showdown at the Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

It may not be possible to compile a list of great coaches without having a Stoops on it, and this one is no exception.

The younger Stoops came to join his brother (and head coach) Bob at Oklahoma in 2012 for a second stint, and while the Sooners aren’t playing the elite brand of defense they were from 1999-2003, you can’t deny Stoops’ position on this list.

The overall national ranks are nothing to write home about, but there’s more going on than just the numbers in Norman. The Sooners have made big improvements in run defense and total defense since Stoops returned in 2012, and with more of his recruits now joining the team, they look to return to the type of defense Oklahoma fans are accustomed to seeing.

Next: Justin Wilcox