OFFICIAL: Lincoln Riley Expected To Be Named New OU Offensive Coordinator (UPDATED)

Image via scout.com

As was first reported by Dean Blevins on Sunday night, several national writers are also now confirming that East Carolina’s Lincoln Riley is expected to be named the new offensive coordinator at the University of Oklahoma.

Still nothing official from OU or Bob Stoops, but when there is this much smoke there tends to be some kind of fire. We’ll continue to update you as information becomes available.

UPDATE (12:47 pm): Our guy Brandon (@TheDrakeTFB) has spoken to his source close to Sonnie Cumbie and has been told that if the Lincoln Riley news is true, then Cumbie is not interested in a move for a co-OC position as a non-playcaller.

– UPDATE (5:52 pm): It’s official

 

618 Comments

  • Kody K. says:

    I’m excited to see what this guy can do on the big stage.

  • bjwalker82 says:

    yay!

  • Shawn Cummings says:

    I kept seeing on here or maybe another board that the Air Raid hasn’t won a NC. If I am not mistaken, didn’t we win the NC with an Air Raid or was that considered something else?

    • Jordan Esco says:

      Yes, 15 years ago. Very different game now.

    • Malicong says:

      I thought the same thing. The Air Raid didn’t win NC’s at Tech because their defense was terrible, not because of the offense.

    • John Garner says:

      As I recall, Mangino tuned it up. But you’re right, the bones of the system was Air Raid.

    • SoonerinLondon says:

      Is he running the air raid or something more progressive like TCU & Baylor? It seems to me that TCU had a real shot at an NC this year. They will be finishing second, I believe.

    • dallassooner says:

      Yes, but the fear of me and other is that the AIR RAID leaves the defense on the field way too much and the fact that there is trouble holding leads because late in games running clock is more difficult. We shall see.

  • John Garner says:

    OUInsider is reporting that Bob has not made a decision or extended an offer as yet. They’re reporting that he still wants to interview Frost. I hope this is true. I much prefer the Oregon style offense to the Air Raid. We have the RBs to make it work.

  • Doobie74OU says:

    I don’t know what to be most shocked about: that we made a good hire, that our offense seems to have a direction now, or that DEAN BLEVINS WAS RIGHT!!!!!!!!

  • Puma says:

    I like the hire. He’s proven to put up points. He’s also proven to adapt to personal which means the run game will still be present with out. Also has proven to develop talent. Hes young, creative and smart.

  • CoachTalk says:

    Can he Recruit?

    • Doobie74OU says:

      That is probably hard to determine! ECU is in prime SEC and ACC territory but it does appear he has been able to develop a lot of talent from lower ranked prospects. It will be interesting to see what he can do with a brand name like OU and then continue to develop the better players he is able to get!

  • Mizuno44 says:

    I would expect Riley’s scheme will be altered to accommodate our run game. A balanced attack includes a passing game that disappeared over the last two seasons.

  • Jive Turkey says:

    meh

  • Malicong says:

    As much as I was holding out for another guy, I like the hire. Not a big of slash hire as some would like, but I would rather get the right guy than the big name. Hope he can help this offense find an identity and some consistency.

    • Tom Turman says:

      If he IS the play caller next season, anything that results in a run/pass ratio much different than 55/45 will be a failure. The only proven difference makers on this offense are the running backs and Shep. Last year at ECU they passed 60% of the time. Hopefully he can adapt to throwing a lot less.

      • Easton says:

        Can’t call out failure pre-emptively Tom. Just not true.

      • OUhomer4life says:

        Ok his play calling lady year was 58/42 4k passer, 1k receiver, 1k rusher, I’m good with that!

        • Nate Broadus says:

          He also had a quarterback that completed 63% of his passes.

          This is not a slam dunk — it’s a gamble. He’ll have to come in here and do one of two things.

          1.) Transform one of Trevor Knight or Cody Thomas into consistent passers.

          2.) Tap Baker Mayfield or Justice Hansen and get them ready for a brutal Big XII slate.

          Either one is a challenge. The guy has his work cut out for him. This team isn’t remotely suited to what he ran at ECU, unless he works some magic with our QB’s.

          Baker Mayfield seems like the odds-on-favorite to start since he is the only one on-campus that was recruited to run anything close to what Riley did at ECU. That said, he’ll be coming off a two year break.

          • paganpink says:

            The same is true for anyone coming into the OC job.

          • Nate Broadus says:

            That is true, to an extent. The difference, however, between someone like Lincoln Riley and someone like Scott Frost is, Frost has been successful with an offense that favors run over pass.

            The only proven aspect of the Sooner offense is the run game, and Lincoln Riley may need to lean on it much more frequently than he ever has before. That is what leaves me cautious.

            I won’t come out and say that he can’t possibly do this (adapt to his personnel). There just haven’t been examples of this in his career to this point.

            That’s what makes this a gamble more than a homerun.

            Personally, I hope he is as innovative and versatile as his reputation suggests. Whoever is in charge of OU’s offense next season won’t have a ton of proven, experienced passers to lean on — and they won’t get a few years to bring in someone that can run a pass heavy offense.

      • Malicong says:

        60/40 could also mean 10% of those pass plays going to the RB’s. Essentially extended hand offs.

  • Jeremy Phillips says:

    All right then.. Lincoln is apparently the guy for sure now, so #Let’sGetIt #Boomer

  • LLAdamJ7 says:

    I am from North Carolina and have the opportunity to watch ECU play on a regular basis. ECU had a pretty successful running game this season, especially early on when they were just destroying everybody. I don’t know if he was the QB coach or not, but he has really developed the past two QB’s there really well.

  • Puma says:

    Now let’s bring in one of the 3 – cumbie, Helton, or candle.

  • MoJoOkie says:

    I like it.

  • D'Brickashaw Ferguson says:

    Not sure how I feel about this. Quick, someone tell me how to feel.

    • Mizuno44 says:

      That feeling you have when you’re falling backwards out of a chair, but catch yourself.

      • paganpink says:

        Relieved? Or the shaky post adrenal dump where your muscles are quivering and you feel sick?

    • nicjams says:

      Indecisive! At least that’s how I’ll feel until I see his product on the field.

    • RonTee says:

      I feel strongly both ways.

    • soonermusic says:

      It’s the internet…when in doubt, anger is always appropriate…:-)

    • Bob Edwards says:

      Wait till the first incompletion or first run the goes for under eight yards and start telling “Fire Lincoln Riley.” You will fit right in on the Internet.

      • D'Brickashaw Ferguson says:

        I’m saying I don’t know much about Riley and how his offense would look at OU. I’m not like the other posters you’re alluding to

        • Bob Edwards says:

          Didn’t say you were. You asked how you should feel, I was suggesting the route a lot of people seem to be going down.

          • D'Brickashaw Ferguson says:

            I appreciate TFB because it’s not like that 99% of the time. Which is refreshing.

            And I see lots of people praising Riley, which considering Bob’s last couple hires (Monty, Bedenbaugh) is encouraging

          • Bob Edwards says:

            No I agree. I was simply mocking the tendency of internet “fans” to always be blaming the OC for every problem the team has. I remember fire Kevin Wilson comments when we were setting offensive records.

      • brainpimp says:

        Wait haha there are people with Fire LR before he is hired.

  • Raider75 says:

    #6 Offense in the nation sounds alot better than 26th…now they can concentrate on getting some pieces in place

    • Soonerlaw6 says:

      You’re looking at total offense. Now look at scoring offense. OU was two spots higher than ECU.

      • Easton says:

        Total Offense: tied with TCU.

        • Soonerlaw6 says:

          My point being, you’re going to rack up more yards by virtue of the type of offense he runs. The real question is can you score when you get in red zone. That’s where spread becomes tricky.

          • Easton says:

            Good point. And tricky is the type of play calling that gets it in the end zone against a good rushing defense. In conjunction with a an Oline wins the trench.

      • brainpimp says:

        Now look at the talent level he had to work with.

  • Soonerfandave84 says:

    If the guy can capitalize on the talent on the roster, he’ll be a homerun hire, if not Bob Stoops will be looking for new employment in a year or 2

  • ellisbr says:

    I don’t know how good ECU’s competition is, that is the main reason I’d rather go with Frost. however, if Riley is the hire I’m assuming we get him for much less than a Frost would cost, then add someone to develop the QBs or WRs, whichever Riley doesn’t do and we still have a ton of money left over for when Kish and MS leave/get fired and we can go get a couple of big time DCs here and revamp our D as well. Any thoughts on this, or are Kish and MS still going to be around after NSD? I haven’t heard any rumors there in a while.

    • SamSooner says:

      My brother is fond of saying two bad teams playing is like two good teams playing. They’re both equal.

    • boomersooner says:

      he did what he did at ecu with what he had. talent level goes up, production goes up? probly

      • EasTex says:

        That would be my expectation, as long as he adapts to the increased talent he faces on defenses.

    • Nate Broadus says:

      I would be damn surprised if they’re still around after signing day. They aren’t even out recruiting. Sounds like Monty is recruiting for almost the entire defensive staff — with a little BJW and Bob Stoops included.

      • ellisbr says:

        that’s been my take on this too. if they’re secure in their jobs why aren’t they putting in the effort on the recruiting trail? guess we’ll see what Bob has in store for us soon enough.

  • nicjams says:

    If this is indeed true, given Bob’s recent hires of Montgomery and Bedenbaugh, I’m erring on the side of optimism for this hire.

    • Bob Edwards says:

      I think Boulware was a good hire too. Special teams really improved after he came. I think most of the perceived problems with ST is Stoops not letting Shepherd actually return punts and making a stupid call against OSU.

      • Easton says:

        Yes.

      • Scott Moore says:

        Wait, unless I missed something, Stoops didn’t stop Sterling from returning punts. Are you talking about after the injury? In my opinion Shepard fair caught nearly everything after his momma got it in his head it was dangerous. Which, it basically is. But so is football period. Someone else needs to take that job next year. But I agree with you over all. ST did improve.

        • ALar03 says:

          I have said all along they need to throw miciah quick back there! kids got a gift and you need to use it… what frustrated me week in and week out is punt return was like a break to the players they didnt set anything up..

        • Bob Edwards says:

          Well I am assuming that he was doing what he was told. If he wasn’t why keep him back there? Get someone who will return the ball. If we don’t have a spare wide receiver or running back that can field punts then our recruiting has been worse than I think.

          • D Hunter Sanchez says:

            Mixon or Brooks? What about KJ Young. No fumblers of course. Last year no true read option and no punt returns.

          • Bob Edwards says:

            Well Mixon wasn’t available, but Brooks or KJ Young would have worked. Quick returned some early in the year. I guess the question is why put a starter out there for some more plays if all he is going to do if fair catch.

    • John Garner says:

      I’m hoping his next hire is Wyatt. Without receivers, the Air Raid scares no one. If anyone can get the best out of the kids we have, Wyatt can. Plus he kicks ass as a recruiter.

      • Stephen Dale says:

        d wyatt supposedly ‘burned some bridges’ when he was in Norman. wouldn’t expect to see him back…besides, OU needs to go younger and more active recruiters….the staff needs more new blood and fresher ideas–not recycling old staffers…………

    • Swanny says:

      His stats are perfect. 4,000 yard passer, 1,000 rusher, 1,000 yard receiver. Pair him with Toledo’s Candle and we have a perfect combo in my opinion.

      • ouguy777 says:

        A 1,000 yard rusher is perfect? Given that Perine just ran for over 1500 and we’re going to have to split carries between 4 guys at least, I would prefer more rushing and less passing.

        His hire is less than ideal.

        • Swanny says:

          When paired with Candle from Toledo it’s literally a perfect combo IMO. Zone read game with mobile QB’s mixed with the Air Raid system. Watch Oregon tonight and tell me that’s not exactly what they’re running. Watch tOSU tonight and tell me that’s not exactly what they’re running.

          • ouguy777 says:

            Candle aside (because he hasn’t been hired), the LR hire is what has me concerned.

          • Swanny says:

            No doubt, but that’s what they’re doing. You don’t think Stoops knows exactly what we have? C’mon man. If it’s not Candle, it’s _________ who runs the zone read run game.

          • L'Carpetron Dookmarriot says:

            Yes. Oregon and tOSU run similar offenses.

            There are probably many offenses that run Airraid components, y-sail, shallow cross, all curls. I don’t think that’s the interesting part though. Those are just pass plays.

          • Swanny says:

            Watching the evolution of Oregon’s scheme over the last 5 years makes me excited if we can pair Candle with Riley. This will be the system that Bob hoped for the last 2 seasons. I’m excited. It all hinges on who they pair Riley with though.

        • Doobie74OU says:

          In interviews he says his philosophy is to put the ball in his best players hands as often as possible and in ways that stress the defense the most. Maybe he didn’t have RB of the caliber that OU does. He seems open to moving the football anyway he can and if OUs best players are RB I think he will run the ball quite a bit!

        • Brad Warren says:

          Geez. Can you be anymore negative? Relax bro.

          • ouguy777 says:

            So, let me get this straight, anything but support for the hire is not allowed? Got it. Thanks chief.

          • Brad Warren says:

            Obviously entitled to your opinion. Just curious as to why you have already denounced the hire before ever calling one play here. I believe he is extremely intelligent and will know who his best players are and get the ball in their hands as much as possible. He will get the ball to Perine ofyen. We will run alot. I’m excited about it. Maybe you should give it a chance before writing it off. Boomer!

          • ouguy777 says:

            I’ve already given several reason as to why I’m not a fan of the hire. They’re the same concerns that many other people have. It’s an air raid offense that doesn’t utilize the run game to the capacity that it should be used at OU. Go watch some film of them and tell me that’s the type of offense to use Perine in.

            I’m not stringing the guy up or anything, and last time I checked my phone, Stoops wasn’t calling me for my advice. I’m still gonna go to games and watch the Sooners play. I just don’t care for the hire. Maybe I’m wrong.

          • D Hunter Sanchez says:

            Fair criticism. But it is quite less of an “air-raid” offense then his mentor Leach runs. Perhaps this is a subjective view. He threw 200 more passes than he ran the ball. The lack of defense in some games may have dictated more passes. For comparison Oregon ran the ball 611 times and passes 436 times. EC basically the opposite. If our defense cannot stop a Baylor, we’ll need to outscore them through the air. Personally, it’s best to be multiple, having the ability to win a game running and/or passing.

          • SoonerSpock says:

            I would expect whomever becomes the OC to run the ball more than they throw the ball given the talent at QB that OU has on campus. Given his profile it is reasonable to suspect that Riley would throw the ball more than run provided he has a QB that can execute his desired game plan. I see that being more than a year away. Perhaps even two years into the future.

          • D Hunter Sanchez says:

            I agree. But I think Mayfield will have a great year. We have to be able to spread teams out and then run the hell out of the ball. I want 48-50 points a game.

          • Ed Cotter says:

            D Hunter, I think you got that right. Mayfield will do well in this offense and we will still run it plenty. Man, I’m pumped for this.

          • brainpimp says:

            No, anything intelligent is welcomed.

        • STL Sooner says:

          All of us “experts” need to withold judgement. If we knew 10.37% of what we think we know, we would be making $5 mil a year and not giving our opinions on a message board. A GREAT message board, but still amessage board!

        • Charles Suggs says:

          I would prefer more winning and less losing

        • Josh says:

          And how did those 1500 yards work out this season ?

          • ouguy777 says:

            Fine considering we won most of the games we were run heavy in.

          • Josh says:

            Fine? Lol ok??

          • ouguy777 says:

            You asked how the 1500 yards went. They were fine. Rushing was the least of our problems this season. But we just hired an OC who wants to throw the ball 60 times a game.

          • Scott Moore says:

            I understand your fear. I don’t think any of us want a pass happy game plan on the regular. But I think everyone’s point and I agree is that he game planned to his players strengths and probably a bit of his knowledge. But think about this. He didn’t have Gundy or the caliber of running backs OU recruits. If he’s smart, which I don’t think that’s in question, we will run and run often next year.

  • MoJoOkie says:

    So, I have deduced from a few recent posts that we can start hatin’ on the guy even though it’s not completely confirmed that he has been offered?

  • Sooner Ray says:

    Let’s put a shirt and whistle on some guy and go play some damn ball!

  • Waters says:

    Distraction!
    IMHO this is a distraction to take attention from SF.

  • soonerbred4ever says:

    Wouldn’t be funny if this hire doesn’t happen? They can’t put anything on the internet that isn’t true. I forgot!

  • EasTex says:

    I’m willing to bet the new OC is the one Coach Stoops announces at a press conference.

  • Puma says:

    Don’t know to embed a tweet but just saw that Riley has coached two 1,000 yard rushers 2 of the past 3 seasons and the only reason it wasn’t three in 3 seasons is because of injury

  • Navy_UDT says:

    I am excited! It is not about age, it’s about creativity and translating that on the field. This is a great hire, congrats to Bob and OU.

  • Soonerfandave84 says:

    Jason Kersey ‏@jasonkersey 1m1 minute ago
    I can confirm that Lincoln Riley has been hired as OU’s new offensive coordinator. #Sooners
    0 replies2 retweets1 favorite
    Reply
    Retweet2
    Favorite1

  • Shelby is a Patriot says:

    Well, alrighty then. I’m fine with it.

  • Easton says:

    Light it up Lincoln. Light it up. BIG deal for the young man if true.

  • Doobie74OU says:

    Just saw this quote about taking another coaching job from Lincoln Riley from a year or so ago and it made me like him even more!
    “I told myself that if I’m lucky enough to get opportunities, I don’t want to jump at the first one,” he said in mid-December as he sat in his small office next to Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium on the East Carolina campus. “It’s not a deal where I’m looking to leave. If there’s something that’s life-changing, there’s something you’ve got to look at.”
    He must think this is a life changing opportunity and that is the kind of commitment we need from our OC at OU!

  • Swanny says:

    Here’s some highlights from their QB this season:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGZVKLiIxQ8

    • BigJoeBrown says:

      I don’t recognize this kind of football? What is this,….throwing it for over 15 yards? Are teams allowed to do that?

    • Easton says:

      I love good football.

    • Easton says:

      That long-hair TE gets a lot of action.

    • Josh says:

      Ummm.. you’re allowed to throw it in the middle of the field? When did this happen?

      • Easton says:

        NCAA rules, circa 2014.

      • ellisbr says:

        I know, all these “trick” plays seem to be pretty good. Learning all sorts of things right now. did you also notice the defense was allowed to put pressure on and tackle the QB…..

    • Stephen says:

      Why would they use tall WR’s? It’s all about the small guys that are afraid to.get hit. I’m not sure this guy knows what he’s doing.

    • Scott Moore says:

      I like the fact that there were a lot of different receiver names called. Both Trevor and Jones weren’t nearly as successful without their go to. Maybe a product of the offense and the development of the QB’s. Riley had his hand in both.

  • BigJoeBrown says:

    Well I guess this means Rick Moranis is out.

  • James D-Space says:

    Dang it! Not who I wanted, but got to trust Bob obviously.

  • Wilson says:

    I will reserve additional comments until I see the product on the field. Past performance, although a good indicator, does not guarantee the future performance; because the variables that assisted in the success or failure of the past performance cannot be carried forward in whole. So here is to this being a “knocked out of the park” hirer and this time next year the talking heads for the Natty are deliberating over our beloved University….See you at the spring game…

  • CTSooner says:

    He comes from the Air Raid family tree but it appears to me he has evolved his way of thinking and that is what I want to see from an OC. http://eastcarolina.247sports.com/Article/The-evolution-of-Lincoln-Riley-and-ECUs-offense-30594094

  • Justin Keller says:

    I’m sorry but I just threw up in my mouth a little. This is a hire you would make after a successful run and your coord moves on to a HC job. Thats when you take chances. He fired one guy that was a Leach discipline for another one, except younger and with less big stage experience? Linc is a great coach and has a bright future but if its me, I bring him in with an OC with more experience outside of little schools. I’m sorry but I don’t know how you justify firing JH and JN for Linc and a lesser position coach. You supposedly have all the resources you need from the university and this is the big pick, the rev the motor back up guy?! I don’t see it. I am afraid scary times lay ahead.

    • ouguy777 says:

      I’m with you. I think this is a bad hire.

    • Stephen Dale says:

      maybe BS couldn’t entice an older, more experienced OC to Norman……….

    • boomersooner says:

      well hell fellas let’s just join uab and shut the whole thing down. screw it

    • Shelby is a Patriot says:

      Well, regardless of who is hired the deal is the same: You have to wait and see. He can do just as good or just as bad as any other.

    • Herman Bubbert says:

      Well said, Justin.

    • SoonerfanTU says:

      smh

    • JB says:

      If we don’t make sweeping changes on the defensive side of the ball, then this hire is irrelevant and we’ll suck again next year since we can’t stop anyone.

    • Jed says:

      Maybe Bob was convinced by the example of Jerry Montgomery that what we lacked most was energy and youth and as a result stayed away from recruiting tired old men.

    • soonerthunder says:

      Just b/c you run a similar (not the same–check it out) offense doesn’t mean the OC is the same. With your reasoning then, you could never fire a DC who runs 3-4 and hire another one who runs a 3-4. What we are looking for is an improvement in quality of coaching and play-calling. Not every coach is equal with the very same talent.

  • hemisooner says:

    This is a very good hire. Has texas ties and can coach.

  • Jeff says:

    This is not a home run hire and hope he isn’t in over his head! How did he do against a power 5 team with a pulse??

  • RonTee says:

    Stardate 1/12/2015 no intelligent life forms found on this site. Beam me up Scottie.

  • Waters says:

    Riley is a great coach but the wrong offense.
    I don’t believe BS wants a more successful JH.
    Riley appears to be hired but in what capacity?

  • rphokc says:

    ….just curious, did this guy ever come here for an interview/visit………

  • MoJoOkie says:

    Too bad about Cumbie. I thought they would make a nice tandem.

  • soonermusic says:

    I like the fact that Riley was Crabtree’s position coach during his big season, and also the extremely high praise for Riley from Leach. Both good signs, I think.

  • Katyboomer says:

    Who here thinks Spurrier is a great O coach? Spurrier is good/great friends with Stoops right? ECU played USC this year right? Maybe Spurrier got with Stoops and said Riley’s your man, maybe it could have went down like that. I will wait and see what Riley can do with OU type players,before I judge this one.

  • bmrsnr says:

    Does this show faith in Mayfield? We know Knight can’t run this offense.

    • Katyboomer says:

      I hope Mayfield is the answer, or that whom ever comes in, can get better production out of who ever is on campus.

  • Waters says:

    If true, SF must of said no to BS offer.
    Or Riley will be a position coach.
    If Riley was first choice, should have been announced last week and not today.
    I still believe SF will be the OC.

    • bmrsnr says:

      Riley will call plays, small chance he comes to Norman and doesn’t. He has turned down some big jobs recently.

      • Waters says:

        SF can teach Riley to call plays.
        Not likely, but possible.
        I can’t believe BS wants to return to Leach.
        Despite the success , BS has always wanted a balanced power running game.

    • JB says:

      I’m sorry to disappoint you, but Scott Frost will leave Oregon for a head coaching gig only. He will not be the OU OC.

      • Waters says:

        I am waiting on the fat lady.

      • Malicong says:

        I don’t believe that to be true. If he was given a bunch of money and a chance to enhance his profile rather than being the followup in a system already in place, I think he would take it. He was passed over by Nebraska already and at this point is looking at HC offers from low-level P5 teams at best. If he could rebuild an offense at a high profile school, he would get looks from schools with NC championship potential.
        That being said, if Riley is on board, I don’t see Frost in the mix.

  • Sooner_Ace says:

    Personally, I like the hire, just curious no more co-oc’s then?

  • Josh says:

    I know I for one would hate to go back to that Leach offensive system that won all those games, Big 12 titles and a Natty but that’s just me. Yeah we have very good RBs right now which just makes that system more dangerous. They are excellent receivers out of the backfield, pass protectors, and all excellent in space.

    • hOUligan says:

      Think you might be on to something, Josh. wink wink Did anyone ever think that fans that have called for the head of every OC ever under Bob would be 100% happy as a fan base with whoever is named? Frost, Shanahan, Chip Kelly … it wouldn’t matter. Think it’s a great hire and could be an explosive offense.

  • SoonerinLondon says:

    Did I miss anything about Cumbie? Is he off the table as a second hire to work with Riley?

  • soonerinks says:

    At least he has Texas High School connections, so I guess I am okay.

  • Steve Johns says:

    If, in fact, QB is wide open next year – don’t sleep on Hanson.

  • Stephen says:

    Cool, so is he on the phone with DeMarkus Lodge, yet? Feel like he would fit in perfect in Riley’s system.

    • D'Brickashaw Ferguson says:

      I still believe OU has lots of WR talent currently on the roster. Hopefully Riley’s development of WR’s (which were great at ECU) will pay dividends

      But Lodge would be nice!

  • kt-raida says:

    ]I guess Dean isn’t as big as an idiot as everyone was saying.

  • Jeff says:

    Hope he can recruit Texass!

  • NoahPinion says:

    Anyone know about the rumor that Bedenbaugh and Riley didn’t get along?

  • Swanny says:

    Love offenses that put up crazy points .— Jarrett Guarantano (@Guarantano18) January 12, 2015

  • lebval15 says:

    With Cumbie out i wonder if the Candle guy from Toledo would be willing to take the spot.

    • bjwalker82 says:

      I hope so, I really like that guy

    • MoJoOkie says:

      Might be a good choice. Would he be willing to give up the play calling status?

      • lebval15 says:

        dont know. i did see somewhere that he’s only making about $100k at toldeo. I suspect he could make several times that here and maybe he might be willing to come even without play calling duties for that much more money.

        • MoJoOkie says:

          Yeah, I saw $115,000 per. Might be a solid hire. Probably depend on who Riley wants at this point.

  • Waters says:

    If the fat lady is singing , let Riley bring or choose his wr coach. It will be his offense.

  • Indy_sooner says:

    I trolled the Pirate and Fexas boards and it seems everyone *BUT* OU fans think highly of Riley. Folks want a big time hire and forget that all these “big names” started somewhere. Welcome to Soonerland MR. Riley

    • Easton says:

      Welcome, Lincoln Riley, welcome.

    • JB says:

      I would have been okay with Helton from WKU or Sonnie Cumbie too, but Riley is a quality hire from an Xs and Os standpoint…I just want to make sure he can recruit well too, and in someplace other than TX. But we need to fix our defense more than anything else. On a scale of 1-10, I rank the importance of this hire about a 4.5, and on the defensive side of the ball, I’d rank that about a 20.

      • Indy_sooner says:

        He was able to get a couple of 3 stars from Florida and the Carolinas that had offers from bigger schools, Florida included. Like coach B and Monty, he’ll need time, but thankfully there is already a stable of QBs that he can work with. He also seems to have really good vibe with his players.
        Now the WR coach…he needs to be able to hit the ground running. We need to land the big time receivers- even then there is talent on the roster.

      • Indy_sooner says:

        On Recruiting- He’s already following Wariboko, Kyler Murray, Van Jefferson and Dominique Reed on twitter. I love the energy.
        Coached Crabtree and one of his WRs at ECU just broke RB85’s NCAA reception record and made All American 3rd team. Not bad resume thus far.

  • ruasoonerfan2 says:

    Is Riley officially announced as OC, or is everyone just guessing?

  • JB says:

    We need another recruiter as well as a coach. If Riley can recruit in-state and CA and FL talent, then he will be a nice addition. I hope they offer Candle the WR gig because he recruits well, and emphasizes Florida. Plus, he has some impressive WRs that he’s coached. I believe Pierre Garçon is one of them.

  • Randy White says:

    I want guy who coaches ECUs WRs. They get open, battle for the ball, play with passion, and can run.

  • Sooners W says:

    Bigger problem is still a QB that can deliver the ball. Most of the ECU highlights are WR’s that TK doesn’t see.

  • hOUligan says:

    Would think that Bob and maybe Gundy are teaming on this decision and would listen to the new hire for ideas including WR coach.

  • Waters says:

    Air Raid Offense:
    1. Back to Leach
    2. A pass in the flat is considered a lateral
    3. Scores points, exciting but doesn’t win NC
    4. Given BS statements and prior actions, I would interpret this as a desperation hire that will begin the end of the BS era of OU football.
    5. I still have hope for a SF hire as the OC

  • Brent says:

    Can someone or TFB explain the difference to me between and Air Raid offense and the schemes that Auburn or Oregon run? And why is Lincoln Riley considered an Air Raid offense guy with a 1,000 yard RB? Thanks in advance!

    • JB says:

      Auburn and especially Oregon spread the field with receivers everywhere and they pass the ball a lot, BUT they are predicated on the running game. Mike Leach teams pass 90% of the time and ocassionally run the ball very little. The RB is as much a pass catcher as a runner in Leach’s system.

      • SoonerinLondon says:

        Wasn’t Riley’s offense roughly 55% pass, 45% run?

        At least that is what I thought I read somewhere. His offense had evolved from heavily pass oriented to much more balanced.

        • John Tolomeo says:

          correct. riley’s offense is actually fairly balanced and he adjusts it every year to his personnel. He is considered an “air raid” for 2 reasons: 1) he comes from mike leaches tree 2)if you watch how his teams line up it looks like the air raid but he is much more dedicated to the run.

          you will occasionally see him go under center

      • Maverick says:

        And by 90%, you mean nowhere near 90%. Also, This is Lincoln Riley. Not Mike Leach. Go look at the numbers.

    • MrBigsby says:

      Because people can’t seem to fathom that a guy from the Leach coaching tree would actually run the ball. It’s the Deano syndrome….can’t let facts get in the way.

      • Maverick says:

        Of all the days to bash Deano? When he scooped the entire Sooner World?

        • MrBigsby says:

          Like I said in another thread….Deano just throws stuff on the wall and sees what sticks. He finally got one right and will look like he has real sources or someone inside the program. Most people are smart enough to realize he just took a shot in the dark and finally hit a bulls eye.

          • Maverick says:

            I’m by no means a Deano lover, but what exactly has he gotten wrong? Besides Stoops to UF? TFB said less than a year ago that Saban to UT was a done deal. You still trust them right? (He does ask the all time dumbest questions in Thunder pressers, I’ll give you that)

          • MrBigsby says:

            Just off the top of my head….I immediately think of the Stoops to Florida and Baker Mayfield being granted immediate eligibility. There’s plenty more, but those are the two that come to mind first.

          • EasTex says:

            And Mike to LSU.

          • Maverick says:

            But you have amnesia about the Saban to UT thing?

          • MrBigsby says:

            Why does that mean I have amnesia? TFB got it wrong once, I’ll let that slide. If they start having multiple incorrect “predictions” that they’ll lose my trust.

          • Maverick says:

            Well I hope they dont. Just didn’t see the reason to bash a former player on a day when he actually got it spot on.

          • MrBigsby says:

            I don’t discriminate on the days I bash Dean the “journalist”. Dean the former player is OK in my book. But Dean the “journalist” just isn’t very professional and I have no respect for him.

      • Easton says:

        Sharp dig MrBigsby. But that is the right diagnosis, in my opinion, in most cases in this big discussion.

    • OUhomer4life says:

      Not only a 1k rusher, but a quarterback that rushed over 100 times, another 1k rushing spread out between others 4k passing 2600 rushing, sounds good to this old man!

  • John Tolomeo says:

    If he wasn’t already, Baker is now the runaway leader for starting qb next year. He has played in this offense since pee-wee football.

    Joe mixon should be very happy as well. This offense fits his style of play very well

  • Easton says:

    Riley is going to give the offensive group of running backs and wide receivers, and qb’s, fun again. Its going to be fun to play for Riley.

  • Josh says:

    I just remember watching those OU offenses in the early and mid 2000s where it honestly looked like they were playing with extra guys because people were just running free. The biggest issue I had with the last couple of years was with the route trees being utilized. I mean for the love of Pete how many times did we see TK drop back and throw a freaking out route. Great route when Troy Aikman is your QB and can put the ball wherever he wants but not so much with a kid that doesn’t have the best accuracy. And what was the only deep route we ever saw? SS running a go. Look at some of the tape on EC. Dudes are running crossers, digs, skinny posts, seems and running free! And not just against scrubs… VA Tech, SC and UNC. Watch the film! Shouldn’t be sour because OU has a tank of a RB and you’re worried he won’t get utilized. OU had a tank last year that was utilized plenty to the tune of 8-5 and crucial stops on 4th and 1 in numerous games!

  • John Tolomeo says:

    Does anyone think lincoln will try to bring in another qb…with baker and trevor being juniors.

    i wouldn’t mind waiting to try to get guarantano next year

    • Maverick says:

      I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see a transfer. Maybe a graduated guy with eligibility. Who knows.

      • John Tolomeo says:

        do you have anyone in mind? i would think this takes us out of the braxton miller running…not that we were ever in it

        • Maverick says:

          No clue, but I like that Riley has found a few “diamonds in the rough” already. All of these silly people saying “Air raid” eleventymillion times should realize that if it is indeed “Air raid” the QB’s in that system usually flourish. See Tech, Texas.

    • Easton says:

      I believe he will want to, now that his recruiting options have just been elevated to top ten national talent.

    • John Tolomeo says:

      Also will this help or hurt the kyler murray pipe dream?

      • Doobie74OU says:

        Was wondering the same thing

      • hOUligan says:

        Murray spurned Oregon as he wants to be in a passing offense. Welp…here ya go, Mr. Murray. You can pass and run the ball on occasion when there are no open receivers but a lot of open field. Think OUr odds just went up.

    • thebigdroot says:

      Well I would hope that he would at least get on campus and work with the current crop of QB’s to see what he has before he writes them off. SMH

      • John Tolomeo says:

        SMH? you are shaking your head at the idea we might not have very good quarterback play and his system requires accurate qbs?

        do you think trevor or cody qualify as accurate? trevor is lucky to hit 60% of his passes. that means we have a junior in baker and an unknown in justice. I would say there is room for a qb.

        • EasTex says:

          Actually, 60% is pretty good, the current ECU QB was at 63.5
          Accuracy isn’t a problem for Thomas, confidence and experience OTH is.

          • Maverick says:

            IMO 63.5% isn’t very good if you’re throwing a lot of bubble screen’s and quick game. Also depends on how good your team is. Easier to complete 3rd and 6 than 3rd and 16.

          • EasTex says:

            Looking at the Shane Carden video I saw throws down field.
            ECU had 4835 yards passing for the season, I don’t think you get those results from screens.

          • Maverick says:

            Good to hear. I haven’t watched any ECU tape, was just speaking in generalities.

          • EasTex says:

            Further down the thread Swanny posted some ECU highlight videos, one of Carden so it only shows the passing game.

          • soonermusic says:

            imho, the criticisms of TK’s accuracy are not very reliable. I know from looking at them that several of his errant passes were clearly not his fault. Hard to tell on some others, but very likely many of those weren’t either. Obviously had room for improvement, but I think a group of elite receivers would make a huge difference.

          • thebigdroot says:

            Or an OC who had WR’s running routes that actually created space.

          • soonermusic says:

            this is a dead horse, I guess, but the coaches frequently commented that the receivers were not spacing their routes the way they were taught to in practice.

          • thebigdroot says:

            Which comes down to coaching. When was the last time you seen an OU WR have a game (Don’t go Bama on me) where they were running open down the seam or deep and be open. Seen it happen alot, especially BU, happen to OU. If it was a one year issue I could see what your saying, but it has been an issue for a while.

          • soonermusic says:

            WVU, Kstate, just a couple of examples from this season. There were others.

          • thebigdroot says:

            But not consistantly. That was my point.

          • hOUligan says:

            Saw another assessment where TK still rushes his throws, mostly inexperience. This causes receivers to ‘rush’ their routes and break them off. All very correctable with more experience and a good QB coach. Looking for significant improvement next year.

          • soonermusic says:

            “causes receivers to rush their routes.” I don’t buy it at all. If a receiver is breaking his route off he’s gonna get roasted in the film room by the coaches after the game, and using the qb as an excuse won’t get him any slack. If a receiver does that it’s a receiver issue, not the qb.

          • hOUligan says:

            Am sure, like you were saying about not doing what they were practicing. TK better at throwing on the move and only having to ‘read’ 1/2 the field.

          • John Tolomeo says:

            honestly I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a qb “lay out” his receivers as much as tk. most of his throws are high and he leaves them hanging

          • soonermusic says:

            I don’t agree that your generalization is correct. Not at all convinced that “most of his throws were high.” Also, I’ve seen many receivers “hung out to dry” by qb’s all over the place, and sometimes it’s due to the positioning and the way the receiver runs the route as much as it is the throw.

          • EasTex says:

            I discount the bowl game this year, he was either afraid or lost confidence after being out from his neck injury.
            He impressed me quite a bit after he settled down last year, even more so in the Sugar and early this year.
            Something was missing in the development of our QBs and WRs. This change may make a difference in the players attitudes and performance.

          • soonermusic says:

            When I looked at the bowl game, I saw two possessions in which the defenders were a couple of yards deep in our backfield on every play, then I saw a possession where TK threw the ball very well. Then I saw a 1st and 25 where he threw an interception because two wr’s couldn’t block the one defender they needed to keep out of the play. I think we were down 17 after that. At some point maybe I’ll look back at the rest of it and see if I have the same impression of the rest of it…

        • thebigdroot says:

          From what I’ve seen the issue has been in QB developement. It all went down hill when Heup went to the box. I was SMH at the thought that we are saying this new OC should start recruiting a QB before he hs even had time to see what he has on campus.

      • Maverick says:

        Who said anything about writing them off? The more competition, the better.

  • Maverick says:

    Now as long as the half of our fan base that has went full retard will shut up and support the man, OU football might be fun again.

    • John Tolomeo says:

      I think all the people comparing him to heupel need to just be quiet. they have no idea what they are talking about. I don’t get why people act like heupel is from leaches tree? he played one year under leach and never coached under him. meanwhile lincoln was his right hand man for 7 years.

    • RBear says:

      I am positive that you shouldn’t worry about it.

  • Doobie74OU says:

    Why are a lot of people acting like the “Air Raid” offense (which most people are attributing to Leach and Mumme, but even they will tell you most of their offense comes from the offense BYU used in the 80s & 90s) does not to like running the football! So called disciples of this offense Art Briles at Baylor pass run distribution was 519 pass/ 619 rush, Klingsbury/Morris at Texas Tech(worst average by far but they played from behind a ton this year) 559/355, Sonny Dykes/ Tony Franklin at California 535/440 (also played from behind), Dana Holgerson at West Virgina 534/563, and Kevin Sumlin at aTm 514/421. Heck Leach at Washington State in a season playing behind all year and loosing 9 games had 20 rushing attempts a game this past year. JH had a 386/557 difference and we all said we would have to be able to pass the ball better to win in this league. This offense can and will run the ball especially with the talent OU has. I think Riley will maximize talent whether it is running or throwing the ball!

    • Randy White says:

      Please stop using logic and facts to make your point here; its not allowed!

    • Josh says:

      I think everyone that is against this is concerned due to the fact that QB play was less than stellar(understatement of the year) and because of the RB talent. I think this system, which is very QB friendly both in route tree and decision making will help the QBs out immensely and the RBs are all very well suited for this system. They are all great receivers out of the backfield, they all pass protect very well, and all will love to not see 8 and 9 dudes in the box next yr. No way K State can sell out all 11 dudes to stop SP against this system.

    • Easton says:

      Really good write-up 74.

    • boomersooner says:

      a lot of people have no idea what they want. they just know they wanna bitch. 99% of the football world know that the running game is what is needed to win. most coaches will tell you that til they are blue in the face. a solid run game will win games and championships. people go back and forth because they don’t know what they’re talking about and just bitch to bitch to keep up with the joneses(the other bitchers). one thing goes wrong in their lives, such as the car won’t turn over in the morning, and they don’t know how to handle it. adversity scares the tar out of these people

      • EasTex says:

        Ah yes, the Al Swearingen approach. Love it.

      • hOUligan says:

        Do you run to set up the pass or pass to set up the run? Bob believes in the later. In either, you are looking to have an effective run game. And in the end, you are trying to dictate pace and capitalize on what the defense is doing.

        • boomersooner says:

          bob seems to be one of the few who believes it to be that way and he’s successful with it. i would be willing to bet tho that he would still say that a solid ground game will lead to more victories and more championships. its more than cliche to say ground attack and defense wins championships just as it is short game and putter win titles. and yes the d CAN dictate at times what you do, but even if there’s 11 in the box you can still scheme to run at it, through it, around it, what have you

          • Scott Moore says:

            I don’t think there are to many defensive minded coaches who don’t appreciate a solid clock eating ground game. Just look at the Cowboys and what they did with an offense that complimented the defense by not over exposing them. Heck, if Tony Romo wouldn’t of called an audible on that 4th and one they may be still playing next week.

          • boomersooner says:

            true. i haven’t had a chance to see if it was a catch or not. at first i thought it was but now i wanna see it again to see what the refs saw on replay.
            if you look at what the cowboys had this yr, you will see one of the best rb’s in the league behind one of the best olines in history, which made demarco look even better. they have romo and dez and witten and williams is pretty good, beasley is pretty good, escobar is pretty good….but yes if the d is just ok or worse and lost lee yet again right before the season started then yes run game and burn that clock and help yourself win some ballgames. smart smart football. ‘at’s right

      • hOUligan says:

        Do you run to set up the pass or pass to set up the run? Bob believes in the later. In either, you are looking to have an effective run game. And in the end, you are trying to dictate pace and capitalize on what the defense is doing.

    • xunilla says:

      Doobie – the offense Baylor runs is not “Air Raid” despite what the % show.

      • Doobie74OU says:

        That was kind of my point! All these guys are from the Mike Leach coaching tree but that doesn’t mean they don’t run balanced attacks! Of all the so called “Air Raid” disciples of which Art Briles is said to be a part of only Leach throws the ball anywhere close to 75% or 80% of the time and these other guys are closer to a 60/40 split if not better.

    • Ed Cotter says:

      Well stated Doobie. BOOMER!!

    • snakepit says:

      OU offense = ECU offense and vice versa…Josh could go to ECU and they wouldn’t know Lincoln was gone! Now that Lincoln is here we may not realize Josh is gone.
      They seem to run the very same offense as OU. I don’t see a nickels difference in the two. Poor Josh had to deal with different QB’s and adjust his play calling accordingly. Look at ECU games from last year and see what you think. Personnel is different of course but they even looked very similar….I don’t know if this is good or bad but I was taken back when I watched some ECU tape……

    • cheezyq says:

      As the saying goes, opinions are like a$$holes. Everyone has one. But no one thinks theirs stink. It’s really a waste of time to be overly concerned with knee jerk opinions on the Internet, so I wouldn’t worry about what certain people think about the “Air Raid” offense.

      That said, you make valid points. The more I read about Riley the more I like him.

    • Easton says:

      Like the fact the fact that Riley turnt Notre Dame, and Kentucky down. And said yes to The University of Oklahoma.

  • soonermusic says:

    Score a big one for Deano… although the appropriate expression may be, “Even a blind squirrel…” his sources seem to have nailed it this time.

  • Randy White says:

    Does anyone know whether Riley is a sideline guy or up in the box? I looked at their highlight film but couldn’t tell.

    • Sooner Ray says:

      One of the articles I read yesterday mentioned him calling from the box. Not sure what he would do here.

      • soonermusic says:

        If the play caller thinks he can see the game better and call it better from the box, that’s what he should do. Many of the most successful do just that. Maybe most. They talk to the qb constantly on the headset on the sidelines, as soon as he comes off the field. There are other coaches and players there to provide the emotionally calming influence in person if need be. IMHO, it’s a non-issue.

  • Zack says:

    All I know is if we put up an average of 40+ points per game, the people whining now will say how they told us this guy was a genius.

    • Soonerfandave84 says:

      it wont be a stretch to gain 4 ppg next year, just cant lose games scoring 30+…Im looking at you Mike, Tim, and BJW

      • hOUligan says:

        That’s 2 more wins this past season and given OU was up on Baylor but couldn’t move the ball consistently, I like the odds better now. Same in the bowl. Zero offense leads to tired and frustrated D.

      • SoonerfanTU says:

        Mike, Tim, and BJW aren’t likely to be OU coaches next year, IMO.

    • RBear says:

      Need his classmate as well

      • Ed Cotter says:

        Lodge or Jefferson would be a nice get, especially if Murray decides to come to OU. May entice some others as well. We shall see.

    • Exiled In Ohio says:

      If Riley is the kind of recruiter we want, he flew down to Texas after his meeting with Bob!

    • Nate Broadus says:

      If Riley could reel in Kyler Murray, it would be a way to bring immediate dividends and soften some of the concern in the OU fanbase.

      • Maverick says:

        LOL that he has to pull a miracle on day one to soften concerns of the fan base. That’s some delusion for you. That said, please tiny little 6 lb 4oz baby jesus give us Murray!!!

    • SoonerfanTU says:

      “But, but…..Kenny Hill transferred, no way we get Murray now.”

      Says a bunch of OU fans. I have a good feeling about Murray. Did even before the Riley hiring.

  • D Hunter Sanchez says:

    Does this make up for Dean Blevins previous nonsense?

  • Maverick says:

    I wonder if that DGB guy would enjoy playing for Riley?

    • Exiled In Ohio says:

      Let’s see:
      1. Play for Riley
      2. Play for over $1M.
      Tough call

      • Maverick says:

        If that was the call I’d agree with you. It’s more like, possibly go 3rd round, small signing bonus, or stay and possibly go 1st round and make $15 mil for writing your name. He’ll have a $3 mil insurance policy if he stays and gets hurt.

        • soonermusic says:

          I’ve never ever heard of a guy say “just kidding” after announcing he was declaring for the draft…

          • Maverick says:

            I’m not saying he would. I’m just saying it might be something new for him to consider. I’m not sure if it would make a difference or not. Also, I didn’t know he did announce. Never saw anything official.

          • EasTex says:

            Last I heard he was doing some checking with the NFL on their domestic violence policy/policies.

          • Exiled In Ohio says:

            That would certainly be bizarre!

        • Boom says:

          Min salary for someone who doesn’t get drafted is almost $500k. DGB will make over a mill this year and if he does well in a year or two, they will lock him up on a large 2nd contract. Sure, I wish he would stay but.

      • Maverick says:

        If that was the call I’d agree with you. It’s more like, possibly go 3rd round, small signing bonus, or stay and possibly go 1st round and make $15 mil for writing your name. He’ll have a $3 mil insurance policy if he stays and gets hurt.

    • Steve Johns says:

      If DGB told Bob days before the presser he was going pro, I’d say he’s already signed with an agent.

      • Stephen says:

        Sources tell me no agent or paperwork has been filed. I also don’t know how old the information is so it could have certainly changed by now.

    • Steve Johns says:

      If DGB told Bob days before the presser he was going pro, I’d say he’s already signed with an agent.

  • Wilson says:

    If you have the ability to access ESPN3, should go watch the ECU/Florida game to get a read on his offensive play calling strategy. But with our backfield I think it would a little more run heavy, unless 1 or two more WR/TE step up.
    http://espn.go.com/watchespn/player/_/id/2275783/size/condensed/

  • JrsySooner says:

    Amazing how some people take over a topic and make it their own personal agenda
    now I make it worse just with my comments….good grief…any higher is a good hire we have nowhere to go but up…..BTW the Defensive change Kish is gone. Boz is taking over…

  • JrsySooner says:

    Amazing how some people take over a topic and make it their own personal agenda
    now I make it worse just with my comments….good grief…any higher is a good hire we have nowhere to go but up…..BTW the Defensive change Kish is gone. Boz is taking over…

  • Mr. Jones says:

    Looks like he swings for the fence in recruiting. He’s already followed the following on Twitter:
    Wariboko
    Murray
    Lodge
    Van Jefferson

    • hOUligan says:

      Another young coach who utilizes social media for recruiting. Money.

      • ND52 says:

        If you’re gonna converse with young people nowadays, ya gotta be on social media. No two ways around it.

    • JD says:

      He’s following Reed and AD Miller as well…Reed is juco wr from Arky and Miller is a 3star from dallas dune

  • ouguy777 says:

    I will say that I’m impressed LR is already following some of our recruiting targets on twitter!

  • D Hunter Sanchez says:

    Can I get one more National title before I croak?

  • iceman says:

    I think the ducks throw the ball a lot and also run ball give it a chance . good hire !!!

  • Mizuno44 says:

    Will everyone stop posting so I can get some work done?

  • Waters says:

    Question:
    Why did we reject the Leach Air Raid Offense now that we are returning to the same basic offense with adjustments?

    • Maverick says:

      Dude seriously? Just let it go man. Let it go. Give it a chance. Take a deep breath and enjoy today. We’re 1-0 on the day.

      • Mizuno44 says:

        Roger that Mav
        – Goose

      • Waters says:

        Dude, I have always supported the Leach, Baylor, Texas Tech offense.
        I support Riley as OC.
        I believe he will be successful because the Leach offense works.
        BS decision making is in question given his constant desire for a power run game and a balanced run/pass offense.
        I supported SF because of BS statements and the firing of JH.
        I also believe the Oregon offense is new , innovative and a proven success.
        Switzer supports the Oregon offense.
        I prefer we try something new, creative and successful that is consistent with BS stated football philosophy.
        Except for BS inconsistent actions and behavior, I believe Riley is an excellent choice.
        The Question is:
        Will BS do to Riley what he did to JH?
        Will BS let Riley run the offense without constant demands for more run game.?

    • Maverick says:

      Let it go…

      • Exiled In Ohio says:

        You are from the wrong generation! I believe the song goes “Let it be ….”

        • Maverick says:

          As the father of two young girls… Unfortunately this came to mind first.

        • Wilson says:

          “the wrong generation?” lol..that’s funny…what’s really funny is “the wrong generation” is usually that generation directly following “the right generation” or at least no more than twice removed…lol

    • Easton says:

      I think that Heupel was more of a Wilsonian in his system. I also think that the Air Raid term has taken on a new meaning for us, rather than looking at Riley, looking back at Stoops and Bedenbaugh, and synthesizing strengths. A powerful run game, and a play-caller who creates space for players, and makes it possible for players to run free, and do it with zeal, and fun. I think Bob rejected a direction. And he has found a new direction, culturally, and schematically.

    • Jeremy Phillips says:

      Legitimate question…

    • EasTex says:

      Leach wanted to pass even more than he did in ’99, Bob said no he wanted more balance.
      Leach said bye and Bob said don’t let the door hit ya’ where the Good Lord split ya’.

      • Waters says:

        Eas
        I thought Leach left because of HC position at Texas Tech.
        Mangino replaced Leach and installed more of a run game per BS.
        We won the NC because of defense. MS defense shut down FSU.
        Better defenses were adjusting to the Leach offense and BS wanted more run game to counter the better defenses.
        We now return to Leach with more run game.
        I support Riley and his offense!
        Will BS?
        My take is that SF rejected BS and so he returned to Leach offense.

        • EasTex says:

          Leach did take the Tech job, that doesn’t alter the fact that Bob was not happy with an unbalanced attack and Leach wanted to throw it even more. Leach left and Bob held the door for him.
          I don’t have any reason to believe Frost turned the job down, don’t even know if he was asked.
          I have faith that Bob knows who he hired and why, and from what I’ve seen I don’t see that Riley’s offense looks like Leach’s.

  • Chris Pedersen says:

    Yeah I know maybe everyone isn’t fired up about it…frost didn’t build oregon’s offense…and big names don’t always work out…this young man can flat out coach! Smokes mich st in bowl game as 24-25 year old then goes to ECU as a 26 year old and proceeds to set passing records 5 years in a row as well as 3 years total offense records…I live and scarolina and watched a lot of their games while thinking they can pass the ball and get open with way less talented people than we have…why can’t we? I don’t buy into the Tillman theory that we have a talent deficit…if we do than why are we always hanging around top 15 classes? And from what I’ve read on here the brainiacs are usually pretty high on who we grab…off my soap box now and ready for some football oh…….and some defensive coaching changes!

    • Maverick says:

      I think sometimes we get better athletes, but not better football players. There’s a difference.

      • Chris Pedersen says:

        I agree with that statement as well but that’s not what Tillman is saying…one thing that def sticks out to me is a lack of bringing the wood on defense…our backers and safeties can be in position to make a play and get drug around for 3-4 yards after impact

        • boomersooner says:

          the way you put this makes me wanna be a fly on the wall in the meeting rooms for d film and stuff. if you coach em up and they can think for themselves at all, then they should be chomping at the bit to hit someone and make em not wanna do whatever they just did ever again. when you’re coached up right, natural ability takes over and over thinking or whatever flies out the window and you just snot bubble everybody

          • Maverick says:

            That’s actually my biggest complaint against Mikey. All I ever see him do is yell, not teach. (I’ve been to a few practices, flame on) He’s a little too old school.

          • boomersooner says:

            yelling…i love yelling. every coach i had from little league to the big leagues yelled. its in the heat of battle and whatnot and emotions and tempers are all over the charts. its practice where you get the teaching. practice how you play cause you play how you practice. teach em up in practice and let their abilities flow in game time and yell at em when they screw up. i’m old school too tho. may not reach kids nowadays. i don’t know

          • Maverick says:

            That’s what I mean. In practice. A lot of yelling. Not much teaching. From Mike I mean. Monty is the opposite.

          • boomersooner says:

            haha. yeah if all you’re doing is yelling even in practice guys will eventually shut you out. you have to teach and show em what you’re telling em will work or “he gone”

          • Chris Pedersen says:

            Yessir!!! I’d love to see some Roy Williams hitting from db’s and a t Marshall attitude in our backers

        • Maverick says:

          I was just making a statement. I agree with you totally.

          • Chris Pedersen says:

            Lol we’re on the same page I think that’s what we’re seeing in some of our defensive players

    • Easton says:

      Mr. Pedersen. Good read.

    • Stephen says:

      I agree with everything except the talent deficiency. That said, I think we are on our way to fixing that issue. Hopefully we can start moving our classes into the top 10.

      • Chris Pedersen says:

        What I mean is we’re not void of talent…I don’t even think Baylor was as talented across the board even though they was at key positions…we def had more talent than k state and tcu oh….and way more than ecu

    • Austin says:

      Just curious, where in sc do you live? I live there as well.

  • JD says:

    So I guess a FrostCumbie scenario would have been out of the question as well if he’s not interested in a move as a non play caller….or would Frost be open to just Co OC…thought he would be the main feature if he were brought in

    • Cooper Jones says:

      I can’t imagine Frost is remotely interested in having a Co- in front of his name.

      • JD says:

        maybe at OU he’d take exception because if you think about it…if he were to come here and we knock it out of the park next year then he’d get a good look at HC at a bigger school

    • Maverick says:

      No one wants a Co- in front of their name.

      • JD says:

        maybe at OU they’d take exception

      • Swanny says:

        There’s a coach at A&M and a coach at Indiana who had co’s in front of their name at the same time at OU. Gotta be a selling point. Mangino and Leach were Co’s too if I remember correctly.

  • Josh says:

    So wait are we done? Its only 4 o’clock folks.. I’ve still got an hour and a half!!

  • Josh says:

    Maybe Nebraska will name Norm Chow their OC just for s&gs.

  • SoonerinLondon says:

    Regarding Riley’s move away from the air raid offense at ECU: “In perhaps the most effective display of offensive balance, ECU was the only FBS program to have a 4,000-yard passer (Shane Carden), a 1,000-yard receiver (Justin Hardy) and a 1,000-yard rusher (Vintavious Cooper).”

    http://eastcarolina.247sports.com/Article/The-evolution-of-Lincoln-Riley-and-ECUs-offense-30594094

  • Chris White says:

    I think it was perfectly said on here (yesterday?) that the fact that the entire ECU fan base is very upset and worried is a good sign. They don’t want him to go

  • D Hunter Sanchez says:

    Riley’s offense from 2013 looks like ours. http://youtu.be/G5-yQ_6aQeQ

  • Wilson says:

    Re-watched the ECU/Florida game…ECU was far from de-void of talent. Especially that WR Hardy, he will play in the NFL. Interesting strategy deployed, but it still appeared that when they really needed 1st downs (regardless of down and distance)…they went to the pass or QB run….but then again they did have Hardy (pretty even distribution of the ball in the pass game by the way)…and we have really really good backs…so lets see how it goes. I think with Gundy and Bedenbaugh here, there will still be a heavy influence on the run game. Currently our linemen train differently than guys in an up tempo heavy pass offense (thanks to Bedenbaugh)…What I liked was the route tree combos used against zone defenses (looked like kind of what Baylor does)….going to be interesting to see what develops from these two philosophies…hopefully it means we can counter whatever the defense does and whatever defense takes away..the alternative is just as lethal..

  • SamSooner says:

    No news. Maybe Scott is coming.

  • ToatsMcGoats says:

    I absolutely hate it when Dean’s right…

  • Easton says:

    It's official. Welcome @LincolnRiley to the Sooner Family. #thereisonlyone http://t.co/0HMjdSMVDx pic.twitter.com/sqg2IOAXiU— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) January 12, 2015

  • WATERHEAD says:

    Great hire. Sorry folks but recruiting wins in CFB. This guy brings it all.

  • sooner8 says:

    I really like this hire!!Riley will have a lot of motion in his sets to keep LB’s & DB’s guessing .Should be a gold mine for OU’s running backs.

  • Sooner Ray says:

    We filled a spot now will there be a “co” or just a WR coach and who would be the most likely to take that job working under a 31 yr. old?

    • james babcock says:

      How about Todd Helton.

    • Boomer4life says:

      Hope all our eggs are not in one basket.

      • Sooner Ray says:

        Me and you both. If Cumbie turned it down because of the Riley hire, are we likely to land someone better than Norvel?

        • Boomer4life says:

          Makes you wonder. Oh….well as long as the boosters open up the check books now everything should be just fine.

        • RBear says:

          If Cumbie turned it down because of another hire, would we really want him?

          • Sooner Ray says:

            Can’t really say based on that. We have no idea what the pitch was to the candidates. If he was led to believe it would be his show, why would he want to come in as the second guy?

  • Zack says:

    So are Helton and candle real possibilities for the receivers coach?

    • Sooner Ray says:

      We should find out soon, can’t imagine they want to leave this ticket open with recruiting about to kick off again.

  • M Shuster says:

    Can I ask a dumb question? I don’t know if this has been asked before, but didn’t we just have an issue with a OC/QB Coach combo? JH was fired because he couldn’t do both. When he was just a position coach, he was good. But when he started calling plays, all the sudden it looked as though he forgot how to coach QB’s. Landry went to a QB guru to get coaching (doesn’t say much about his ability to coach QB’s.) Why would Bob go and do it again? Maybe you guys who know more football than me can explain why this is such a good hire.

    • Austin says:

      I would say the main reason is bc Riley has been the OC/QB coach at ECU and has demonstrated the ability to do both jobs at the same time. He got great production from Shane Carden this year at qb, while coordinating the 5th best offense in the country. I personally think it’s a great hire, but I guess we will wait and see. I’m really more interested to see what changes are made on the other side of the ball.

    • SoonerPhins says:

      Some people can’t multi task

    • Jared Tyra says:

      Look at what Riley did with Shane Carden and Dominique Davis while simultaneously calling plays, though. Heupel couldn’t do it, but the new hire has proven that he’s more than capable, I think.

    • Kevin says:

      Ohio State’s OC is also the QB coach…and they’ve done ok with their 3rd string QB, or so some say…

  • ccmosaic says:

    I think stoops reached out to Scott Frost and was told that Scott only wanted a HC gig. Bob had already chosen what kind of offense he wanted to run and went with the best option. If we were not going to get Frost I believe Riley is far better than the others we interviewed if for no other reason than experience calling plays. I am very excited about this hire.

  • L'Carpetron Dookmarriot says:

    Just saw Scott Frost walk across the screen coaching the Oregon players. A tear just left my eye [reaches toward the TV yearning…]

  • sooner8 says:

    I just heard Al Ali Bobba Eschbac say that JH was the scapegoat that is why he got fired!! Al is so far out of touch & I must be too, for even tuning in to his show!!

    • Sooner Ray says:

      Get out now, those munchkin’s are mean little suckers!

      • NoahPinion says:

        Al mainly just echoes Trabor and Tramel. One week he didn’t like Heupel, the next week he’s a good coordinator who was the scapegoat.

  • leatherneck1061 says:

    31? God I feel old.

  • Jared Tyra says:

    I have a great feeling that he’s going to land some huge recruits in the not so far off future…

  • Cory Reedy says:

    Been out of pocket a couple days. What’d I miss?

  • Jeff says:

    Hope this cat isn’t a JH 2!

  • leatherneck1061 says:

    I have to say, there’s something about bringing on a new guy that makes me sad about Heupel. He has been such a part of the OU family, and I just really wish it would have worked out. I really hope he succeeds wherever he ends up.

    • Soonerr says:

      Totally agree!

      • OklaSooner says:

        Know what you mean. I have been as hard on JH as anyone but he’ll always be a Sooner to me. I really have no doubt he’ll get it together.

        • leatherneck1061 says:

          I have also been very critical of JH this year. I guess there’s something about bringing in his replacement that has caused the reality of the situation to finally set in for me. Our last qb to take us to the promised land, and a guy who clearly loved this team and this university. One of Sooner Nation’s sons really. Good luck Josh….and Godspeed.

    • EasTex says:

      I share your sentiment.
      Josh is and always has been one of the good guys.

    • Matthew Hawkins says:

      I kind of agree with you, but I think it is better for JH to move on also. He needs to be outside the OU system to learn.

      I am sure he will land on his feet, he is too good a coach not to.

  • Ed Cotter says:

    If I am Baker Mayfield, I am stoked that Lincoln Riley is coming to Norman. This should be an interesting spring on the OU practice fields. BOOMER!!

    • BleedCrimson says:

      SOONER!!

    • Ed Cotter says:

      Hopefully the fact that Riley’s offense also boasted the WR that broke RB’s receptions record gets the attention of guys like Lodge and Jefferson as well. With the stable of backs that OU has we will still see a steady run game as well. Can’t wait to see who the WR coach is that OU brings in.

  • kt-raida says:

    I’m excited for Riley and a new offensive direction!

  • Daddy R says:

    Welcome to the family Coach Riley (one of my son’s is named Lincoln…).

    BOOMER!!!!!!!!

  • akryan says:

    will the brainiacs be bringing us a big profile of this guy?

  • Daryl says:

    So who will coach WR’s or who do you want to coach WR’s.

  • SoonerinLondon says:

    DGB should have stayed.

  • Daryl says:

    Will Donnie Kirkpatrick come with Riley?

  • akryan says:

    Watched the ECU vs VT game. It was a pure Leach type of shotgun spread offense. For better or worse that’s probably what we’re going to see at OU. I have a feeling that people are going to love the high flying big scores, but they’re going to be howling about the absence of a power run game in losses. Hopefully with the talent he has at RB now, he’ll be able to make a nice mesh of the two styles.

    • Stephen says:

      I think we see more balance, especially early with our personnel. More worried about the long-term when he recruits player to fit into the spread. I don’t see why an offense can’t be a power run and then spread the field when it needs to.

      • roygbell says:

        You mean like telegraphing what we are doing as in since Mangino was here as OC?

        I hope we run a scheme and not just another bunch of plays. That has been our problem for years.

    • Shawn Cummings says:

      R.E.L.A.X. People are killing me with this jumping to conclusions.

    • Katyboomer says:

      I hope we learned from the past when our red zone O would stall on us. I think we will look like a mix of what we our now in our run game and what TCU is running. I hope we put that “THE OSU” counter play in our run game that worked so well last night