Iowa fans will always have a soft spot for former Hawkeye defensive back Bob Stoops. The former Oklahoma head coach will be returning to his alma mater as an honorary captain for Iowa's 2019 season-opener against Miami (OH). In 1981, Stoops helped Iowa end its 19-year streak of non-winning seasons.

During last year's Fryfest, Stoops recalled that special season and told reporters that he wasn't focused on celebrating following the 36-7 win over Michigan State that sent them to the Rose Bowl.

“There’s a mob of people on the field,” Stoops told reporters. “I’ve never been frightened before, but I’m like, ‘Holy cow, we’ve got to get out of there.’

“There were roses in the locker room. We’re going to the Rose Bowl after 20 years since we’d gone to a bowl game. Of all places, we’re going to Pasadena. That’s about as special as it gets. It’s one of my favorite moments of any game I’ve ever been a part of.”

Stoops handed the reigns of Oklahoma to Lincoln Riley and retired in June 2017. This past February, Stoops announced that he's coming out of retirement and will be the general manager and head coach of XFL's Dallas Renegades.

There's no doubt that respect is mutual between Iowa fans and Stoops. The former defensive back will receive a long standing ovation under the lights of Kinnick Stadium on Saturday night.

Below is the full press release courtesy of the University of Iowa.

Former University of Iowa defensive back Bob Stoops will serve as honorary captain when Iowa hosts Miami, Ohio at Kinnick Stadium Saturday (6:40 p.m., FS1).

Stoops lettered as a Hawkeye from 1979-82, helping the Hawkeyes win the 1981 Big Ten title and an invitation to the 1982 Rose Bowl. Iowa posted an 8-4 record in his final season, including a win over Tennessee in the Peach Bowl.

Stoops, a native of Youngstown, Ohio, ranks 48th in career tackles (230) and recorded eight pass interceptions. He earned first-team All-Big Ten honors as a senior, was a team captain as a senior and was the lone Most Valuable Player following his final season.

Following his Hawkeye playing career Stoops went on to a successful coaching career, serving as the head coach at Oklahoma for 18 seasons. He posted a 190-48 record there, winning the 2000 national title. Stoops was named the 2000 national Coach of the Year by no fewer than seven outlets. Oklahoma won 10 Big 12 championships and appeared in 18 bowl games. He retired following the 2016 season as the winningest coach in Oklahoma history.

Stoops coached 37 first-team All-Americans and two AP Players of the Year. He coached two Heisman Trophy recipients in Jason White (2003) and Sam Bradford (2008), and seven Heisman Trophy finalists. Eight-three Oklahoma players were selected in the NFL Draft during his tenure.

Stoops will accompany the Iowa captains to midfield for Saturday’s pregame coin toss. He will also be with the Hawkeyes in the locker room before and after the game.