Semi-OT: Lincoln Riley taking the USC job
Lincoln Riley leaving for the USC coaching job per Bruce Feldman of The Athletic.
https://theathletic.com/news/lincoln-riley-leaving-oklahoma-for-usc-source/ZMDuV3D0xjS8/
November 28th, 2021 at 3:56 PM ^
This one made too much sense the whole time. Riley will continue to be a big fish in a little pond, with a clear, easier, path to the playoff every year. He wanted no part of Oklahoma’s half baked plan to self immolate, in the 2nd toughest division in college football.
I wonder if that gives Domani pause…?
November 28th, 2021 at 4:04 PM ^
I think Domani is staying at SC.
November 28th, 2021 at 4:22 PM ^
I mean Michigan and Bama are legitimate playoff contenders almost every year. I'd suspect his long-running relationships with the coaching staffs at Bama/Michigan are a bigger X-factor than the potential of USC being good again.
November 28th, 2021 at 5:00 PM ^
He's basically down to Michigan and Bama and was holding out hope the interim would be named the HC at USC.
I'm more interested in Gavin Sawchuck. Bro, you see how we are running the ball?!
Now Lincoln Riley is gone?
November 28th, 2021 at 4:08 PM ^
Bob Stoops announced to be the interim coach at OU for bowl game.
Can't make this stuff up.
November 28th, 2021 at 5:13 PM ^
You could tell he got the itch yesterday at the game. He was in AWE.
I wouldn't be surprised if he coaches a full year so they can figure out a better long-term solution.
That said, Barry Alvarez did the same thing.
November 28th, 2021 at 6:51 PM ^
Why not hire Mark away from Kentucky?
November 28th, 2021 at 9:53 PM ^
Word is they're targeting current Arizona Cardinals coach Cliff Kingsbury. Former player and coach at TTU, so he's familiar with the Big 12.
November 28th, 2021 at 4:08 PM ^
If his Oklahoma teams are any indication, Riley treats defense as an afterthought.
November 28th, 2021 at 5:22 PM ^
If Riley retains Williams on staff then I’d say Domani will stay. A lot depends on how quickly this all moves, assuming this is actually legit.
November 28th, 2021 at 3:56 PM ^
Oh man he’s gonna kill it there. Recruits will be flocking to USC now.
Their roster is pretty bad so he does have his work cut out for him, but he will have them rolling in a year or two.
November 28th, 2021 at 4:12 PM ^
Spencer Rattler to USC??
November 28th, 2021 at 5:14 PM ^
Makes too much sense.
November 28th, 2021 at 5:24 PM ^
Go after one of the two five stars at OSU that won’t see the field for another two years.
November 28th, 2021 at 3:56 PM ^
Let's make it on-topic... I think there's a recruiting impact here.
Lincoln Riley opens up a spot in Norman. Josh Heupel is a former Sooner starting QB and current HC of Tennessee... we seem to be neck-and-neck with Tennessee for a lot of recruits. Would Riley to USC, help further swing some positive recruiting momentum in Michigan's direction?
Also, Riley to USC... Domani, Conerly? Not sure if there's an immediate change, but he's definitely a hot name. Should improve USC's chances in general, no?
November 28th, 2021 at 4:18 PM ^
It's worth anything we lose to see TN fans crap their pants if Heupel leaves. I wish nothing but years of hell for the TN program and their bagmen.
November 28th, 2021 at 3:56 PM ^
Wait I thought he was going to LSU?
November 28th, 2021 at 3:58 PM ^
I read here that he was going to LSU and I saw a report on another media outlet, too.
November 28th, 2021 at 4:00 PM ^
He openly denied the LSU "rumor" last night. Saying he would not be going to LSU, which caused people to think he would be staying at Oklahoma. But it appears to just be a careful choice of words.
He is not going to LSU, he is going to USC. Sneaky sneaky.
November 28th, 2021 at 4:10 PM ^
This is the funniest coaching change I’ve ever seen just based on how the LSU thing shook out. Openly laughed when I saw it.
Just yesterday he absolutely shuts the door on the LSU thing, so vehemently that it sounds like he’s not going anywhere… but of course he is.
I can’t believe he managed to say that with a straight face.
November 28th, 2021 at 4:16 PM ^
Even more amusing? Billy Napier, UL Ragin' Cajun's coach, takes the Florida job this morning. Napier was considered by some to be a main candidate (read fallback, as many would consider it the local equivalent of Michigan hiring the EMU coach after one good year).
But now, their guy, their fallback, and a bunch of other musical chairs seem to be filling up...
Oh and all the while Lincoln Riley is over here talking in riddles... "I'm not going to LA... but maybe L.A.???" lol
November 28th, 2021 at 6:57 PM ^
Maybe Aranda from Baylor?
November 28th, 2021 at 3:56 PM ^
Kinda surprised. He has what he needs at OK - it’s not as talent rich as USC, but he doesn’t have to rebuild anything - figured he would jump to the NFL if he went anywhere.
November 28th, 2021 at 4:02 PM ^
Scared of move to SEC.
November 28th, 2021 at 4:16 PM ^
He has what he needs at OU… to compete in the Big 12. In the SEC? Not so much.
USC could position itself to be just as easy of a path to the CFP as OU did.
November 28th, 2021 at 3:57 PM ^
Didn’t want to be in the SEC … They will finish 3rd or 4th every year in that conference ,easier path in PAC 12 …
November 28th, 2021 at 4:15 PM ^
Wonder if UT and OU still think its worth a little more money and a little more exposure now that they're both limping into the SEC
November 28th, 2021 at 3:57 PM ^
Good thing he's committed to Oklahoma. I see him in the pros in 4-6 years
November 28th, 2021 at 3:59 PM ^
Huge hire for USC.
November 28th, 2021 at 3:59 PM ^
Big mistake for Oklahoma moving to the SEC. The PAC is much more winnable. Oklahoma will never be the same.
November 28th, 2021 at 4:10 PM ^
Biggest mistake ever by Oklahoma and Texas going to the SEC. I believe those programs will be permanently damaged by that decision.
November 28th, 2021 at 4:54 PM ^
It's not exactly like Texas was lighting the Big 12 on fire. At least now they can avoid Kansas.
November 28th, 2021 at 3:59 PM ^
Chris Peterson to Oklahoma?
November 28th, 2021 at 4:00 PM ^
This is big for USC. They are the biggest sleeping giant. They have the resources to dominate their conference in a way LSU or anyone now or soon to be in the SEC doesn’t. If he gets it right, they’ll soon be playoff regulars.
November 28th, 2021 at 4:01 PM ^
Smart move by him. Take the path of least resistance by going to a very winnable and weak PAC-12, and have elite CA recruits lining up to play for you.
He won’t have to travel more than 100 miles in any direction to recruit a team that can win a national title.
November 28th, 2021 at 4:08 PM ^
Well you're 75% right, 100 miles west and you'd be in the Pacific Ocean, but yeah this is a great hire and a smart move by him.
November 28th, 2021 at 4:17 PM ^
Tell me with a straight face you wouldn’t recruit an OL of humpback whales
November 28th, 2021 at 4:26 PM ^
Made me LOL AND gave me a visual, thank you. Killer whales more suited to be linebackers? Dolphins as Slot Ninjas?
November 28th, 2021 at 4:58 PM ^
Well if you're in San Diego, I could.
But 2 questions Jonny:
What are the 40 times of these humpbacks?
Can any of them play DT?
November 29th, 2021 at 5:32 AM ^
They’re OL, 40 time is irrelevant
November 28th, 2021 at 4:02 PM ^
That makes a lot more sense than going to LSU. USC with the right coach will be a machine.
November 28th, 2021 at 4:04 PM ^
Bad news for whatever chances Michigan had with Domani Jackson.
November 28th, 2021 at 4:12 PM ^
Not sure I agree. Oklahoma is not known for being a good defensive team. Why would Domani want to be in a place where he would not be successful.
November 28th, 2021 at 4:32 PM ^
Also they will just be coming back to national prominence by the time Domani is getting measured at the NFL combine.
Better to go with the sure thing.
November 28th, 2021 at 4:16 PM ^
Understand why you say that but not so sure. First, Domani plays defense. Second, hard to imagine a better game to attend than yesterdays game on a followup visit. Right now, Michigan has the better team though surely USC will recruit California better now with Lincoln Riley.
November 28th, 2021 at 4:16 PM ^
He's a me guy to me. I was negged before and will be again. I am not sad about missing out on him. The culture of the Michigan team this year is great. Those are the guys to keep seeking. Jackson is too much in need of attention.
November 28th, 2021 at 4:19 PM ^
How exactly is he in need of attention and come off as a “me” guy? Blind accusations and judgements of a 17 year old’s character would explain the negs.
November 28th, 2021 at 4:34 PM ^
Blind accusations? I clearly said "to me". I'm sorry if your butt is hurt somehow. I prefer humility to flash. I get he is a five star. He has a "dream school" but "loves everything about Alabama". His IG claims, "King of my city", "money", etc. He is a 17 year old kid. Maybe the flash and splash is needed so that is why USC lands him. I am not sad to not land him. You can be. It is okay, Jonny.
November 29th, 2021 at 5:36 AM ^
Yes, blind accusation. Judging character of a 17 year old kid based on nothing. That’s a blind accusation. “To you” is no longer relevant once you decide to publicly voice your opinion. Since it’s based on nothing, it’s a blind accusation. Giving you some well-deserved negs.
How DARE he be interested in multiple high prestige schools as he’s trying to find the best destination for himself and his future.
November 28th, 2021 at 4:20 PM ^
And rightfully so. You literally know nothing about the kid. He's an 18-year-old trying to make a decision that's going to impact the peak years of his career and earning potential. I hope he makes the decision that's best for him and his future. If that's Michigan, great. If not, that's fine too. But let's not act like he's not projected to be a very very good player or that there's something wrong with him making what by all accounts seems like a very difficult decision. If anything, I think the fact that somewhat indecisive shows maturity in that he's trying to weigh his options and the pros and cons of the schools.