Oklahoma football: Sooner assistants in the thick of coaching carousel

Another possible scenario involves Norvell leaving for an opportunity to call plays. Bielema reportedly interviewed Norvell after last season for Wisconsin's offensive coordinator position.

Norvell's coaching experience is wide ranging. He was an NFL assistant coach for six seasons, coaching the likes of Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne and Jerry Rice during his time with the Colts and Raiders.

Norvell, who has been on OU's staff since 2008, has developed a reputation as an outstanding recruiter. He's also been an offensive coordinator at Nebraska and UCLA.

MARK MANGINO/CHUCK LONG

Defensive coordinator Mike Stoops returned to Oklahoma. Might some former offensive coordinators rejoin the staff?

Mangino's daughter lives in Tulsa, and he watched Oklahoma's season-finale at TCU earlier this month from the OU sideline.

He had been linked to a few head coaching openings, but for now appears more likely to ultimately land an assistant coaching job.

Mangino was OU's offensive coordinator during its national-title run in 2000 before becoming head coach at Kansas, which he led to unprecedented success during his seven-year run. He resigned after the 2009 season amid allegations that he emotionally abused players.

Long moved back to Norman after working as Kansas' offensive coordinator from 2010-11. He worked with Norman High's football team this season.

Long coached quarterbacks at Oklahoma from 1999-2005, and became offensive coordinator after Mangino left for Kansas.

He was instrumental in molding Heupel — the 2000 Heisman runner-up — and White during their highly successful careers. Long left to become San Diego State's head coach, but was fired after three unsuccessful seasons.