The Sooners posted a record of 9-18 in 1980-81, their first season under head coach Billy Tubbs and only their second losing campaign in the previous 11.
It was a rough start for Tubbs, who the year before had guided Lamar University to 22 wins and a Sweet 16 appearance in the NCAA Tournament. The Sooners even lost at home to Lamar early in the 1980-81 season, which served as an additional slap in the face, both for the new Sooner head coach and their fans.
Looking back, that inaugural season for Tubbs at Oklahoma proved to be a huge anamoly, as the colorful head coach went on to win a record 333 games and never had another losing year in 14 seasons at Oklahoma.