Stoops sees himself as an elite coach who doesn’t get everything he needs to win big (NIL, unlimited amount of money for assistants and recruiting, etc). I believe he absolutely is looking around, but if an AD at one of schools considering Stopps does his homework, he’ll see that there are many better options.
Stoops may be looking to leave, I don't know anything about that. But IF is is looking to leave every writer and fan for AU would be shocked if he is AU's next coach. According to AU rival's site writers, the first tier in order are Kiffin, Freeze and Dan Lanning. 2nd tier is Rihl, and Prime. If the search goes pass those 5 it will be a desperation hire.