KTUL.com - Tulsa's Channel 8 - News, Weather & SportsMike Stoops' Return To OU May Be Sidelined

When Mike Stoops was let go at Arizona earlier this season, it brought out the "could he return to OU" chatter. But, another job may get in the way.

Reports say Stoops, the brother of Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops, has spoken with Urban Meyer -- new head coach at Ohio State -- about an opening on the Buckeyes' staff.

Mike Stoops told the Daily Oklahoman Thursday that he has spoken with Meyer, but declined to comment on whether a job has been offered.

His firing at Arizona came after a 41-and-49 overall record in eight seasons, including a 1-and-5 start this year. He was the defensive coordinator at OU from 1999 to 2003 before taking the gig in Tucson.

Bob Stoops fanned the flames of a possible return to Oklahoma when he said he wouldn't hesitate to bring him back, if he had the money to do so.

Even then though, he said his brother was going to have plenty of opportunities.

Ohio State would mean going back home for Mike Stoops. He and his brothers grew up in Youngstown, Ohio -- less than 150 miles from Columbus.