other, athletic director Joe Castiglione, then-OU president David Boren and the university’s general counsel, Joseph Harroz Jr.
“It started off… what’s the right word? I wouldn’t say contentious, but he was the one negotiating all my contracts,” Stoops said of Harroz. “Through that, Joe and I became good friends. We respected each other, and we always found a middle ground that was good for everybody.”
Harroz became a golf partner, close friend and confidante to Stoops, who said that Harroz was one of his first calls when he needed help with almost anything during his 18 years as head coach.
“I don’t think we could be in better hands right now with all that is happening,” Stoops said. “He understands the university better than anybody, and he’s passionate about it.”
Harroz, 53, was named the university’s president in May after spending a year in the interim role. He enters the fall
