Stoops told the Lincoln (Neb.) Journal-Star on Friday that "of course" he'd be interested in joining Nebraska's staff if defensive coordinator Carl Pelini, as expected, leaves to become the next head coach at Florida Atlantic.
Pelini's brother, Bo, is the Cornhuskers head coach. The Stoops and Pelini families grew up together in Youngstown, Ohio, and attended Cardinal Mooney High School. Mike Stoops was a groomsman in Bo Pelini's wedding.
The Stoops-to-Nebraska rumors heated up Friday, two days after the former UA boss interviewed with Ohio State coach Urban Meyer for the Buckeyes' vacant co-defensive coordinator's job. If hired, Stoops would share the job with Luke Fickell.