Report: Stoops not a candidate in Denver

GLENDALE, Ariz., Jan. 3 (UPI) -- Oklahoma Coach Bob Stoops told ESPN Saturday he is not a candidate for the Denver Broncos' head coaching vacancy.

Stoops made it clear in an interview that his priority is the Sooners' BCS college football title game against Florida next Thursday in Glendale, Ariz. He said he has not been contacted by the Broncos and he has no interest in taking over the job that was left vacant Tuesday when Broncos' owner Pat Bowlen fired Mike Shanahan.

"That's a rumor I haven't heard and nobody contacted me about that," the 48-year-old Stoops said after Saturday's Oklahoma practice. "I don't know anything about it. I'm preparing for a national championship and that's where all my focus and concentrations are. That's not something I'm concerned about whatsoever. It's a great organization, but I'm not a candidate for it."

Shanahan was fired after Denver missed the playoffs for the third straight season.

Stoops visited Denver's training camp in 2006 where he first met with Bowlen.

Stoops will be paid a $3 million bonus after OU's Jan. 8 matchup with the Gators.