Coaching Search Notes (UPDATE Mon., 11:47 am)
Posted on: January 11, 2015
– By now most of you have seen Dean Blevins’ report. Here is his tweet from earlier:
I have learned OU plans to name East Carolina's Lincoln Riley it’s play-caller and offensive coordinator soon. http://t.co/u5jd6LNvcj
— Dean Blevins (@DeanBlevins) January 12, 2015
– The report was later contradicted by Jake Trotter:
Per source, OU has not offered the OC job to anyone. Bob Stoops still talking to candidates, including Lincoln Riley.
— Jake Trotter (@Jake_Trotter) January 12, 2015
– I’ve been checking with some sources, and we have not been able to confirm Blevins’ report.
– I have confirmed that OU has interviewed Lincoln Riley.
– I have confirmed that OU is definitely interested in Riley. I was told that “they like him…other than that there is nothing that is 100%.”
– I have also been told that if an offer is made, it will be made as a co-offensive coordinator and that OU would want to pair Riley with someone more of a high profile name.
– A source also told me that he didn’t think the offer would be as a play caller, but that may have just been the source’s opinion and not necessarily a certainty.
– UPDATE (Mon., 10:15 am): Got a little more info this morning. First of all, I was told again today that an official offer has not been extended but “the interest is very real.”
– Also have been told that Riley could indeed be the play caller. Yesterday I mentioned that a source told me they didn’t think that was the case but as I noted above, I got the sense that was more of an opinion. This morning the same source said he wasn’t sure whether the interest in Riley is as a play caller or not.
Riley has been a play caller at ECU so one would think that despite OU being a bigger name school, losing play calling duties would be something he might feel is a step back.
– Brandon spoke to his source close to Sonnie Cumbie and was told that Cumbie has not yet heard anything yet from OU one way or another. But we continue to hear that Riley would be paired with someone else. Who? Not sure at this point.
– UPDATE (Mon., 11:47 am): I know some of you have been asking about a rumor that coach Bedenbaugh and coach Lincoln Riley don’t get along. I have been told by a source that would certainly know, that the rumor is untrue.
336 Comments
Rumor on the ol interwebs is Riley & Bedenbaugh do not like each other.
Had they coached together in the past?
Tech.
I can’t even go there. I hope that Bedenbaugh has a say.
This isn’t true.
Thx for clearing that up K.
Cool thxxx!
Not that many high profile names out there.
Nope. Not unless you pull from the NFL. Which isn’t probable.
Brian Schottenheimer from STL Rams just left NFL and took Georgia OC job… So I guess its possible
Didn’t Kyle shanahgan get let go by the browns?
Blevins is about as reliable as a 90 year olds colon… Would love Riley/Frost combo though. ECU’s offense shredded some big time teams over the last 5 years.
Can you please detail a few, I want to find some youtube clips to watch. Saw their offense against VTech and it looked very very similar to what we ran.
2011 South Carolina, 2013 North Carolina, 2014 North Carolina, 2014 Cincinnati, and they put 20 up against a pretty stingy Florida team.
Honestly, Riley is probably my 2nd favorite candidate behind Frost. That is unless I’m wrong about him calling plays at ECU this year.
I just don’t think we have the QB at this time for an Air Raid offense
We definitely don’t have the recievers.
I believe Baker MYfield might be the man for this offense
How is Blevins even allowed to report anything anymore?
Trying to pump up viewership to his Sunday evening Sports Blitz
It is bad.
Blevins may be 0-2. He was the one who reported Mike would interview and be offered the LSU DC job. I’m not sure that it’s ever been confirmed that Mike even met with Miles and now this.
Seems to want to jump the gun to get credit for scooping a story and is willing to whiff and embarrass himself and his employer on the off chance he can jump up and down while tooting his own horn and saying he got one right.
He’s a lot more than 0-2. But maybe you just meant in 2015?
0-2 in regards to OU coaching changes this offseason.
Mike did interview with LSU, but no offer was made.
Fresh discussion board, Thank you Super K.
Thanks for the quick response to all this, Super K.
Cough cough butt kisser cough 🙂
Well, at least one of us was courteous enough to say thank you.
/ain’t sayin’ who
Oh I liked that you thanked em. I kinda added myself onto your manners of the thanking with the liking
No harm done or intended.
Nice. Thanks for letting me plagiarize 🙂
Yeah, I’m jumping on too; indirect thanks to K!
Lincoln Riley co-OC/WR coach
Scott Frost co-OC/QB coach (play caller)
THAT I would be okay with.
I don’t see Frost accepting a co-anything unless it’s co-head coach.
i will 2nd that. no way he leaves Oregon for co/oc
Depends on the clams..the mulah..da benjamins.
I don’t see why not. Sumlin was co-OC/passing game coordinator before he became a HC.
For sure! I still have high hopes though…
Frost QB/OC Linc WR? Step back in titles for Riley but ehh
Frost WR/OC Linc QB?
Linc WR/Co-OC and Cumbie QB/Co-OC Knew each other at Tech
Not likely to happen because I suspect the new OC would like to have input in naming the WR coach but should the announcement come Tuesday or Wednesday it could possibly happen. Moreover with their currents Salaries of $400,000 for Frost and $2
I don’t think we can afford Riley AND Frost. Frost turned down HC at Colorado State for $1.5M. If I’m not mistaken, Heupel and Norvell were at about $1M. Frost AND Riley would be quite a bit more than that. I think it’s Riley and Cumbie, with Riley calling the plays. Just MO and it’s probably 150% more accurate the Dean’s.
OU insider also has a source that the job hasn’t been offered yet?
Many have reported this fact. Trotter was the first I saw.
Well, of all the folks that were listed, Riley was LAST one on that list I personally wanted…..but guess what? Not a SOUL called me for my wants!!!!!
Heyyyy, you’re right and no one asked me either.
What’s odd is that Heuple was fired over a week ago, and if Riley is who they WANTED, you’re telling me that it’s taken him a week to talk to him AND for him to accept. I ain’t buying it. If it took him this long to accept a job at OU from East friggen Carolina, then that’s even more proof of why he was the last one I’d like.
Yep. The timing is off here. OU is waiting on someone or something. Frost? I think it has to get done this week. NSD close.
His name may have come up because others on Stoops’ list have turned him down. I can see Frost saying no. But the others it would be too much money and a much better opportunity making it doubtful they would say no. Who knows.
Blevins only reported OU’s plans, not what actions they’ve taken. therefore he could be correct even though no offer is made. or, could be correct if they go a different direction. win-win for Dean.
Comic relief:
https://twitter.com/DeanBlevins
Ohh&h…this is getting interesting
Get frost as the high profile name that recruits know. Bring in Riley as co coordinator and let him build up a recruiting reputation from an OU perspective. 3 years Scott leaves for a HC position somewhere and Riley steps into play calling duty. Set yourself up for future success.
I wonder what Kyler Murray would think of Coach Frost at OU?
aTm had a QB transfer. I think that ship has sailed
Still 24 days to NSD.
Let’s put Kish on him. . . .that oughta get him.
You’re right, we should just give up.
/s
Picture from Deans twitter page…
Kevin Durant looks like “man, this creepy guy better get his hand off my back..”
Sorry, not sure why that was relevant to discussion…
Because he missed out on Durant too?
Oh i’m sure he will come KD’s free agency. Den Blevins reports : “Kevin Durant signs with Washington WIzards,” wait, its not 2016 yet?
Oh, I was making a gay joke.
Ha! I missed that..
It’s Frost/Cumbie vs Frost/Riley.
Frost vs Riley/Cumbie.
Sounds like something happened with will Johnson. Hope it’s not a numbers game from our coaches.
https://twitter.com/nextlevel_will/status/554472658918981633
? he has already signed
Rumor is he’s having transcript issues
well that is not our coaches fault
I’m aware but the tweets sound bitter
Well, we seem to get a few EVERY year. If ONLY we could get 25 players out of fatty boys 325 National Merit Scholars!!! “Then we’d all have a hap hap happy Christmas”
If that’s true, then “Next Level Will’s” next level will be JUCO
That would be the same level he’s currently at
Then he be in even worse shape
didnt he sign and show up on campus last week?
This reminds me of calling timeout on a crucial 3rd or 4th down play and then having too many men on the field. Wait a minute, it’s the same coaching staff……never mind
castorboytroy is that you?
Naw, I’m just mad about the dang basketball game yesterday. I’ll cheer up.
yeah me too. we looked flat. i love that lon gave k st credit but it sounded like he was pretty displeased with the all around effort, etc. hopefully that’ll give us the kick in the shorts we needed
Right. Well, Randolphs going off tonight, so watch him/her burn the house down with remarks.
Careful. If you say his name too many times in a row he might appear, like Beetlejuice or Bloody Mary . . .
Isn’t he in juco…all he needs is to grad and he qualifies I’m pretty sure….unless Boren done did it again
Talking to other recruits about other coaches. (?)
I’m wondering who that was directed at, never know what these tweets really mean sometimes without context.
Right. Context missing here.
Even with context I don’t know what most of these tweets mean!
did i miss something??
User Actions FollowingWill Johnson@NextLevel_Will
At the end of the day these coaches got to feed there family. You a fool to think they owe you something. It’s business
Will’s gonna fit in well in Norman … he’s already got the “at the end of the day” down pat. 🙂
Lol. Players gotta execute yo.
I wouldn’t sweat any of this
That makes more sense. It makes zero sense to fire a Leach disciple who you wouldn’t allow to run his stuff and replace him with a Leach disciple.
Riley/cumbie…
Hahahahahahaha.
I’ve typed that code a few times myself.
Mankind should be grateful Deano didn’t choose the field of medicine as a profession
He’s like a weather man without a radar.
Actually, I have never seen where radar helps weatherman anyway!
They sure enjoy giving them names and talking about them.
I think he is exactly like a weather man and a politician; say any danged thing they want and never be held accountable.
well well well said. can i copy your work again? 🙂
Fair use is encouraged.
i do solemnly swear to quote you word for word and never take anything out of context
or satellites
Or reason.
http://eastcarolina.247sports.com/Article/The-evolution-of-Lincoln-Riley-and-ECUs-offense-30594094
I am just going to leave this here.
Good article.
Well played. I do appreciate the material. And, this article serves my argument for Riley. Your article will be safe here, pick it up anytime. Thanks.
That should end all of the “air raid” concerns.
Should. Definitely, should.
thank you brother. seems like a humble guy. nice to hear some of his answers. refreshing
Sold after that read.
Thanks.
An informative piece.
Very good article. He taylors the offense to the players he has, likes to put in new things while primarily making sure he keeps it simple. There is so much to like in there as far as his ability to field a high powered offense like we have been looking for. The “pirate nation” thing, though, is something a man should be glad to put behind him, LOL.
“We don’t say we have to run it this many times or throw it this many times. We just want to score points and do what we can to help win.” if this is his demeanor…then ding ding ding…we have a winner! what a novel idea! But he also said..“That’s part of why we all want to stay around here. We enjoy working together and we enjoy being shut in in that offensive staff room and getting stuff done.” I guess we will all find out sooner or later…
Two Questions:
1. Why was no OC named last week?
2. Is it possible that Riley was a distraction to take attention from Frost until after the NCG.
Prediction:
Another false alarm distraction tomorrow.
I’m swimmin’ in your waters, Waters. But I can’t find these answers.
Keep swimming east and you will.
Awesome.
Keep the faith, patience. Your posts are awesome.
Thats a 10-4 there Waters. Appreciate that.
Dean Blevins…..explained.
Bulls eye.
I’d go 50% on that.
Thinking 53.7% :)!
Does anyone remember what/how Riley was involved with putting the James kid in the storage shed at Tech when Leach got fired? I remember his name in there somehow, but I can’t recall the details. Seems like he supported Leach, but his story got snuffed.
Will like him more if he supported Leach on the James kid problem
YESSSSSIRRR
Some of these kids need a little “tough love”.
I think a lot of the kids need a little “tough love”
from what i remember about that was they put him in a shed cause of migraines and bright light and whatnot and i don’t remember the whole “why everyone was up in arms about it”. not like he had the whole team beat him with soap bar socks
Just reason to get rid of Leach
that’s what i remembered
Thing is, he could have been left in the trainer’s room with the lights out.
Things haven’t worked out so well for Tech since the fired Leach now have they? Same can be said for Kansas and Mangino. I guess they thought it wasn’t about the coach. The winning. Now they know.
Maybe Leach was protecting him. But from what several of his teammates said about him he needed protecting.
yep…that is saved for arriving late to practice
Scott Frost/Riley? Frost/Cumbie? Riley/Cumbie????
Sounds like a law firm
Frost/Cumbie
Sticking to my guns, the timing of this “Breaking News” feels awkward. Frost-Riley
That would be the ticket I’d vote for.
Is Riley the dude Jordan said he wouldn’t be “on board” with?
Not sure…..maybe Spivital from TAMU is who he was talking about?
Yeah, pretty sure it was Spavital.
Correct
Even if not true, it sounds pretty good:
BREAKING NEWS: Oklahoma To Name Lincoln Riley Offensive Coordinator
Updated: Jan 11, 2015 6:53 PM CST
By Dean Blevins, News9.com
NORMAN, Oklahoma – Sources confirm that OU plans to name Lincoln Riley as its new play-caller and offensive coordinator. Riley has helped set records at East Carolina as the coordinator and quarterbacks coach the past five seasons. It’s a clear sign Bob Stoops is going back to the Hal Mumme/Mike Leach “Air Raid” style of attack that OU ran in the beginning of the Stoops Era (1999 under offensive coordinator Mike Leach). I’m told OU will emphasize getting its talented running backs in space in the attack and that Riley’s success and experience of play-calling helped him become Oklahoma’s choice.
I’m told Mike Leach and Hal Mumme gave rave reviews of Riley, who was a walk-on quarterback at Texas Tech and spent seven seasons in the Tech system. The 31-year old Riley is expected to be named OU co-offensive coordinator, play caller and QB coach in the near future. It’s expected that Stoops will immediately focus on naming a wide receivers coach, and that Riley’s input would be considered. Stoops announced last week that his co-coordinators Josh Heupel and Jay Norvell were not returning to the OU staff following the 8-5 season in 2014.
The Leach-style of offense continues to thrive, although Oklahoma has wandered from it. Statistically, six of the top 13 offenses nationally come from this attack, including: TCU, East Carolina, Washington State, Texas Tech, West Virginia and Cal.
Riley’s impact at East Carolina under Head Coach Ruffin McNeal has been record-shattering. His offensive units rank No. 1, No. 2, No. 3 No. 4 and No. 5 on ECU’s single-season passing list. In addition, four of his five squads are listed first, second, third and fourth on the school’s yearly total offense ledgers, including a recent record-breaking 6,086-yard compilation in 2013.
Riley’s first fall in Greenville installing and directing a new up-tempo spread offensive scheme resulted in 29 team or individual school offensive standards, and he followed that up with 27 more three years later that played a role in ECU’s first bowl victory since 2007.
What would be funny is if someone set Blevins up.
That would be funny cause Blevins usually sets himself up to look foolish! It would be crazy if somebody helped this time!
Dewey elected president!
Link?
Deano!
First I’ve heard of this.
U r a very funny guy!!!!!
It’s my beers fault. 🙂
That’s what Rosie O’Donnell said about her spoons.
brings new meaning to the phrase, I don’t care who you are that’s funny.
that’s funny right there. messed up but funny
Yeah, but she’s not funny.
Dean needs to do some homework, nearly 50/50 run pass this year for Riley’s offense
Had a QB pass for 4700+ and an RB run for just under 900. That ain’t bad.
Well, if it’s true, it’ll be the lead story in 5 minutes on Channel 9 I bet.
you did read the original Coaching Search Notes above from Super K right?
im betting the answer to that question is no
Of course I read it. That doesn’t mean Riley won’t get the job, when this whole thing shakes out.
We need to look beyond the end of our noses, here. This is not about timing or who broke any story. It is about learning something about the next OC. “If it turns out to be true…” that Riley is the guy, it is an interesting read to learn about the offense he may run at OU.
In London still on a time delay LOL!
Well, If Deano had the scoop, he didn’t tell the rest of the news9 folks. we got a lead of the weather to tell us there was not weather. hilarious Deano
As many NEW GREAT OFFENSIVE MINDS ON THE STAFF AS POSSIBLE PLEASE!
NOT a lead story on KOTV Ch 6 in Tulsa
Whaaaaaaaaaaa??
The question is who would BS want as the O C.
An attaching offense that dictates to the defense or
a reactive defense that constantly adjusts to the defensive schemes.
as long as they attach themselves to the end zone
Is it better to dodge your way into the end zone or beat your way into the end zone.
Finesse or strength?
Dictate or React?
What would BS choose?
just having fun w/ your attach vs attack
I think BS would choose the “into the end zone” part.
i don’t remember who done did said it, but what’s everybody think we’re waiting on? frost to get done to get interviewed? frost to get done to accept? due diligence to find the right guy(could that be all it is)? thoughts
You lost me at “done did said it”. 🙂
well read the rest and tell me what you think
I’m so lost right now, just waiting for Dean to get this stuff ironed out.
I bet Dean is asleep right now , with a big smile on his face.
You don’t think he…he pre records the Blitz do you?
I don’t think he’s on tonight.
he’s in make-up, available momentarily
you think it may be like weekend at deano’s?
edit: whoopsie daisy. that was supposed to go to rbear
Well, I done did read it and I think you’re right except when you’re wrong.
exactly
I wasn’t lost, but was dang sure confused. My eyes kept crossing trying to read it. But I love his posts.
Agree to the max.
haha. thanks brother. so refrain from typing in bumpkin. gotcha 🙂
I understood every word. Just don’t want to admit it!
haha. well i done did reread it and it sounds good to my tennessee ear 🙂
LMAO! You drank the whole 6 pack didnt ya??
From a funnel!
lol, been there!!
I always liked #2
How is Riley as a recruiter ?
Agreed.
From what I’ve seen and heard of him he seems to be a very exciting, energetic, young coach. Not sure of how good he is as a recruiter, but that personality is contagious.
They just announced Riley on da Blitz.
Runnin’ with it like it’s a done deal!
Unfreakinbelievable!
They must worship all things Dean.
They are minions.
Guess Dean is going confirm his own rumor.
pretty confident weren’t they?- hope it bites ’em in the arse
Agreed!
“Planning to hire”, “Unless something changes”, quoting what’s being said. They don’t know.
Pretty sure OU IS “planning to hire” an OC…LOL
They always give themselves a backdoor.
I don’t IF it turns out this is a great hire. I still want Cumbie on the staff though. More importantly, I want defensive coaches, because this is all meaningless if we don’t fix those problems
I agree on Cumbie. I think Cumbie Candle would be a slam dunk
Noticed on blitz this time they said co-offensive coordinator
So…co with Frost as actual caller/Assoc HC?
Who is OU’s SID?
Dean Blevins ‘Sensationalist Idiot Dept,’
Sensationally incoherent drivel
Interesting that Riley was announced first, non play caller and Co- Off Coord, seems to be consistent even with TFB info. Primary OC, play caller still MIA. Seems that Riley, if hired, would know who he’s working with, right? If this is true that is…
One would certainly hope!
Dare we believe that a Riley/Frost combo happens?
If there wasn’t a certain big game tomorrow, why wouldn’t we also have leaked info on that already as well. I think it’s Frost-Riley. I may end up sounding like Deano, but at least it’s not my job.
HA! Well played.
I was hoping for Frost and Mangino just so I could call the offense The Frost Giant
Snowy Mountain?
Oh yikes…hope it isn’t Riley/Mangino…seriously
I think were safe that it won’t be Mangino…all in jest
We could just call it the number 10! You know, when they stand side by side and they look like…
As we can all see rumors come up and secrets get leaked. Has there been anything from within the program regarding Frost? So far I can only see the speculation about Frost as a product of wishful thinking. I would also think that IF Frost has been approached that any co-OC or portion coach would require his input.
If he has been approach then I’m sure he has said who he’d prefer to work with and who he wouldn’t…I’m sure back door meetings happen and IF he has been approached and hired then he is ok with the other hire
Man you picked a bad place to come for answers. 🙂
Theory, Phil Knight sent out a memo a few days ago warning any disclosure of Frost to OU before the NC would be unforgivable by Nike.
Or not
Eh….screw Phil Knight. Ive always liked Adidas better anyay.
I wonder how entertaining it is for Bob and all the canidates to read all our comments!
Hilarious
Entertaining? He comes here for advice.
no doubt. he won’t hire w/o checking here
I saw earlier a report that Frost will only leave Oregon for a head coaching gig. If that’s the case and he’s not an option, and Meachem isn’t intefested either. maybe this was the best we could do. Maybe they pair him with cumbie or candle and that’s the best we can do.
I saw that too, but Dean Blevins was attached
Kersey on Riley: http://newsok.com/oklahoma-football-east-carolinas-lincoln-riley-one-of-several-candidates-for-ou-offensive-coordinator-position/article/5383821
has quote from Leach, and also mentions Riley’s stint as wr coach for Crabtree…
My best guess(which is the reason I gave up football betting)….. Frost is the first choice and will be offered the job soon. If he declines I’m betting on Lincoln and Cumbie as co OC. Personally I’m good with either scenario.
That sound very plausible. Will be interesting to see what Oregon counters with to keep Frost, if they do. Would be very surprised if they didn’t give him a substantial raise to stay put. Going to be an interesting week.
Me too! All great choices. I have wanted meachem/cumbie from the start, and would love that. But I’ve grown to like Riley or Frost more. Helton hasn’t done as much for me although I imagine he’s a very good one. I think I could be very happy with any of those five. Frost is probably the best choice, but who really knows. Excited with all the names rumored though.
Oh deano. Remember when he said Mayfield was eligible, could play? Yeah, me too. What a hack.
The Boz being introduced as a new member of the College Football HOF tonight during the game- Great for the Boz, the University and for Frost to see first hand, a page from our history!
Seriously, how does Dean still have a job?
same as the weatherman.
At least the weathermen have scientific data to back up their predictions. Dean just throws mud on the wall and sees what sticks. Eventually one of his “predictions” will work out and he’ll look like he’s actually got credible sources.
Blevins takes the term “irresponsible journalism” to new heights. His mouth out runs his brain a lot.
Looks like Lincoln Riley from ECU is the next OU OC.
http://www.news9.com/story/27822934/breaking-news-oklahoma-to-name-lincoln-riley-offensive-coordinator
LOL!
I’m pretty sure Tex is laughing because you linked Dean’s report as evidence.. not at your comment per se.
Thanks, Big Daddy.
I thought he was just funnin’ us.
he probably was..
Well i for one have been saying I wanted a hot young OC and not an old retread. This seems to fit that bill. He’s not Frost, but i’m willing to give him a chance.
Could someone explain how his offense is not a redux of Mike Leach’s? Why are other teams not clamoring to hire him away? Is this not the kind of offense that is shut down by Big 12 defenses? I seriously don’t know, that’s why I am asking
Shut down by Big 12 defenses? Who has shut down the spread in all of D1? I know there is a game or two a year where a spread team is shut down. But is there a D out there that has ever had success on a regular basis?
Folks forget that we opened a can of whoop ass on Bama and even their plethora of 5 star DBs and had no response. Baylor did the same (albeit choked) to MSU, one of the best defense in the nation. So did TCU. I don’t get why people keep shooting these fallacies out. I don’t know of a defensive strategy that has consitently beat out the air raid. WVU’s win last year was a result of Baylor shooting themselves.
Does anyone have a tally of Blevins hits and misses?
Deano simply throws anything he hears and hopes it sticks. It is like a blind man playing darts.
I would love to see a compilation.
I believe he is right 16.69% of the time!
I think you are 93.7% correct.
what a pathetic hire it would be if it’s Riley.
Why? Because he is young, has roots in Texas, has 5 years experience running a system, had a walk on receiver that just beat Broyles for most yards in a career? Or is it something else like his name is not Frost? Just curious.
Disastrous hire if true. Makes no sense to fire Heupel when you wouldn’t let him run his stuff, and then hire Riley. None.
Really? So Bob told you he would not let Josh run his stuff? Of course it was Bob who was QB coach oh wait not that was Josh. Forgot that Josh sucked at developing talent.
Common knowledge, pal.
Really? Where did you get that common knowledge? Again I forgot all things heard on message boards are true.
And what exactly was Heupel’s “stuff?” And, even if it is true what you say, NEVER hurts to breed new life into the program. Whomever it is, there is new excitement, which was sorely needed in this program.
Disagree. He’s an up and coming coach who has given the best defenses trouble. I’ve watched them on TV several times. I like their offense.
No offense that throws the football 600+ times a season has ever sniffed a national title. Absolutely disastrous move if true.
Except for OU. And They do not throw as much as you would like to think. Also no power team or pro formation team has ever won the Big 12 in the modern era. And to get a Natty one must win the Big 12 first.
Your right, most can’t get 600 snaps a year.
In 2008 we threw it 500+ times and had 2 1000 yard rushers. I’m sure there is some wiggle room.
It’s ‘common knowledge’ that ECU has a balanced pass/run offense.
http://eastcarolina.247sports.com/Article/The-evolution-of-Lincoln-Riley-and-ECUs-offense-30594094
So we still don’t know anything. I’m ok with that. Pretty sure there will be a press conference to announce any hirings. Wait for it…………Don’t be that guy that…..
The only interesting note I have heard was from Murdock on the animal, who says the one thing he has confirmed is that Bedenbough and Riley did not get along when on staff together at all. I find that interesting since Bedenbough has been a real bright spot. Do we want to tick him off?
I think though if you could combine Frost and Riley that could be really impressive. I still doubt we get Frost but the delay in hiring seems to lend to they are wanting to talk to Frost
Super K shot this notion down yesterday… will be interesting..
I had not seen what K wrote my bad. Thanks for clarification. I like what I have read about Riley hope for Bob’s sake he is the right guy.
I would be ok with a Riley/Cumbie combo. Riley coaching WR’s and Cumbie as the QB coach. Doesn’t seen like a natural fit to me, though, since they both are more QB guys.
I don’t get the “why go to a leach guy when you just had a leach guy” argument. Stoops decided there was some sort of conflict or issue causing the offense to suck ass. So he’s bringing in someone with a different voice and hoping that changes things because he doesn’t doubt the talent on campus he just knows it wasn’t working. I don’t think it was the style I think it was trust in players by coaches and vice versa that got heupel fired.
Thank you Zack for having a voice of common sense. Thank you.
is Heupel really a Leach guy? Looks more like a Chuck Long guy to me.
agreed.
The Airraid was part of Josh’s QB development. 1999 was the full Airraid with Leach. 2000 was Mangino’s version of Leach’s Airraid.
I don’t think OU runs the true Airraid right now or has lately. Perhaps not anything close to it. However, I would imagine that many systems run a Sail route combination, which is common in Airraid. There could be overlap in several systems.
Q sure flourished under Mangino’s offense.
Draw plays and the like.
And it worked.
I think heupel was more of a mangino guy but I don’t think he was given a chance to choose his own style and that’s unfortunate. I think he will be fine wherever he goes
To me that is the problem with Josh. He never had the chance to organize his own system. Josh should have been let go a while back so he could work at a D2 level and build a resume and system. Heck he would probably be great right now if he could have matured correctly.
That and the zone read was not his thing. That was just dumb asking him to do that.
Ironically, the same problem Mike seems to be having.
But Mike’s his bro. If Bob wants to hedge his future here with that of his bro, so be it. They’ll rise together, or they’ll fall together. either way it’ll be fun to watch!
Bringing new life and excitement into a program that SORELY needed it.
Very much agree. Riley is a different cat and maybe calls a better game, which was a big ?? with JH. Bob liked Leach as he had trouble as a DC against that offense. Now, it’s Briles, who spent time under Leach as well. Bob would like a spread like Baylor’s. The QB throws, not the QB option like Oregon.
http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2013/11/7/5073520/baylor-football-offense-art-briles-2013
I agree.
I don’t think there is/was deficient talent, but it clearly wasn’t being developed and/or utilized.
Well, when Tech ran it, we shut it down regularly, and other teams caught up, isn’t that right?
Tech Sucks.
I wouldn’t say we shut it down regularly. Usually it was that Tech had such a poor defense that we got more stops and could usually score a half hundred on them.
What I found interesting this year was WVU’s 3-3-5 with inside blitzes was effective in shutting down Baylor, but not TCU. I think the difference was the mobile Boykin.
OU was more effective stopping the spread with a 4 man line. Rushing from the edges takes too long if the QB gets the ball out of his hand quick.
Riley would be Heupel 2.0 Why? This would not be a solid hire; If Riley is a secondary option to the desired Frost/Cumbie/Helton combo he better be way down the list. I don’t understand why we would target an OC like him who passes 40-50+ times a game when we don’t have a QB who can throw five yards down the field. I was hoping to see more of a pro-style, or the type of schemes Oregon runs. This spread up tempo that Tech/ECU runs does not win championships, it’s a gimmick that will get picked up on and stopped. Both Frost and Cumbie are proven coaches/recruiters in major conferences, even Helton’s resume is pretty impressive. He took a below average QB and turned him into a record breaker the following year, everywhere he’s been his units have been successfully.
Who knows, Riley could come in and transform this offense, but if it’s going to mirror what he coached at Tech and ECU, I hope we can pair him with Cumbie so he can produce more miracles on either Mayfield, Thomas, or Knight like he did Boykin if we’re going to be passing this much. I hate to see the personnel OU has to be wasted on this up-tempo 5 wide sperad when they look to be built for a more pro-style/run heavy spread option. /rant
The myth persists that ECU was a pass happy team the past few years, and it just isn’t true.
http://eastcarolina.247sports.com/Article/The-evolution-of-Lincoln-Riley-and-ECUs-offense-30594094
I here you EasTex but for most people perception is reality and if you are anywhere in the Leach coaching tree you are presumed to pass the ball 90% of the time! ECU and Riley could have the nations leading rusher and they would still be perceived as a Air Raid offense!
Hell, didnt Tech have some leading rushers during Leach’s tenure? It just gets so lost in all those formations and passing.. but they run sooo many plays.
They had some good runners, that I do remember. Even BU has run the ball quite a bit the past two years.
This is were I could see some tension between Riley and Bedenbaugh. Coach B seems to want to develop OL that are big and physical and the 80 to 100 play offenses seem to need a little bit more athletic OL. I am not saying they can’t find a happy medium but running 85 plays in a game for a OL that averaged close to 325-330lbs last year would have been tough. Those big guys would have been gassed! It has worked for several teams and for several years so I am sure they can figure it out!
Now that is a damn good assessment. And could very well be where all their “issues” of not liking to work together originate..
Check the link I posted re: Baylor’s spread. OGs weigh 340 for inside run game. And few teams go hurry-up as fast as Baylor.
Yeah I know it can be done I was just saying that may be why Bedenbaugh was not a big fan of the “Air Raid style” It is just about picking a offensive identity and getting all coaches on board, getting all the players on board and sticking too it and running it as efficiently as possible.
Once again, the voice of truth.
JDrizzle posted that way down on this thread last night. Excellent piece.
I guessing what’s lost in all of this is this is Bob’s choice. If I had to guess, I would say Bob may LIKE the spread offense. He’s ran it many, many seasons, no matter who was OC, AND, he did work for Spurrier, one of his favorite ad’visors’.
I’ve said it before, the need to score points by the bucket load has increased recently with BU and now TCU pushing it. Those offenses can’t be dominated by defenses consistently, so OU needs to dramatically increase its per game scoring.
At this point I would be happy to see Kevin Wilson again. Haven’t been to a championship game since he left.
Here are ECU’s offensive stats for 2014.
http://espn.go.com/college-football/team/stats/_/id/151/east-carolina-pirates
Here are the FBS D1 team offensive stats. If we can’t get Frost, Riley would be a good choice, but I would like to know more about the Marshall OC…dang!
http://espn.go.com/college-football/statistics/team/_/stat/total
Honestly It won’t matter if we have Lombardi out there unless our QB’s can get better, but that’s for another discussion. I’m sure Riley will be great, his offense will be neato, it just seems shades of Heupel, which we’re all gun shy about. Our offensive personnel doesn’t scream “air raid”. We are deep at running back, and that should be the focus of our offense. Just my 2 cents, I’m sure if we can get Riley paired with Cumbie good things can happen
I don’t want OU to become another Wisconsin or Ga. Tech. We have got to be balanced in order for either the run or pass to flourish.
I have no clue as to whom the new OC will be, but I do have a preference and that is Frost. Looking at the balanced attack he runs for the Ducks I am drooling at the prospect.
I think the offensive personnel we have can be whatever they or the coaches believe they can be. Something was holding them back from succeeding and hopefully a new OC will be the key to unlocking all the potential talent.
I agree with you, Frost would be an excellent fit. There was quite a few things holding back the talent, numerous rumors that Norvell picked favorites, middle school routes, striking out on certain recruits, etc. Heupel not ever being comfortable with the offense. That’s why if we do end up getting Riley it would be nice to pair him with Cumbie, that would be a solid team.
I don’t think can be stated enough how much a play caller can make a difference. Offense these days is all about rhythm and the play caller establishes that by how he calls the game. JH just never could find his rhythm very often. When he got hot even this year our offense looked unstoppable but way too many lulls in hitting our stride. That is why I was so surprised we never gave Norvell a chance to call plays just to see if he could keep them in a better rhythm. In the end though a new play caller next year can make all the difference in the world!
One thing that has to be reiterated – Riley has had a LOT of playcalling experience so though he is very young, he is battle tested both on the field and in the recruiting world.
They should announce our hire of Frost at halftime tonight. That would get us a lot of publicity and maybe catch a recruit’s eye.
They won’t have even talked to him by halftime. I can’t imagine Frost has taken calls in the week leading up to the NC.
So if Riley is the guy, we wouldn’t pair him with Cumbie???
Might be waiting to get Riley on board and then make sure Cumbie is someone he would want to work with. Or Riley may have said he’d rather have a QB coach that would not be a co-coordinator.
Sooner fans hate every single OC. It’s really sad. All I care about it putting more points on the board than the other team can. Riley has had some incredible offenses each year he has been calling plays. Although he is from the leach tree I would compare him to holgerson. He does so much more that 5 wr. He utilized double TE. Each year he has called plays, the run % has increased. The dude knows how to score and that’s all that matters. If it works on the field it’s good enough for me and right now it’s Riley and frost who have shown it on the field. Helton would be just after them solely for the fact that he has just called plays for 1 year.
I’d go along with Riley more like Holgerson than Leach. It isn’t like OU hasn’t been running similar plays as Holgerson. Diamond formation anyone? And I think OU needs more vertical passing capability. Holgerson and Briles do this.
My obstinacy to the pure Airraid is due to a desire for a vertical game and not one shallow cross after another.
I would like us to be able to complete a shallow cross though. Can’t remember the last time TK completed a pass between the hash marks
Same here, push the ball up the field.
I do miss those throws Landry Jones made with such ease for first downs.
The ability to stretch the field is incredibly valuable and can open up the rest of the offense. We simply have to be able to do this. Critical to success.
You all like how K throws this out there and leaves? Not right.
Awesome update, that was my only concern with bringing Riley in. Now find another one (Cumbie)
Boom, no Riley Bedenbaugh fisticuffs. Now all that is left is to find out who else to bring in.
Does anyone know if Lashlee from Auburn is a serious candidate? He’s always intrigued me.
new post up….looks like the Riley to OC may be closer than we thought….did Blevins finally get one right?….
Thanks for update at 11:47, Brains. Rumor and gossip are so toxic.
Honestly I have appreciated Stoops’ assessment and expressed interest in an OC that has their own system. While I admittedly don’t have much expertise in the realm of football (just a die-hard Sooner fan), I know that in other types of skill-related positions proficiency comes from buying into a system and repeating that system ad nauseum until it is efficient and perfect. While I’m sure defenses will eventually learn to adapt and stop certain styles of offense, it seems nearly impossible to defend an offense that completes all their blocks, finds all the holes, throws the perfect balls to perfectly-run routes, etc. That’s where the “execution” aspect comes in, I think- our previous desire to be “multiple” complicated matters to the point where I wonder if we got meaningful reps on similar-style plays. Then, when the game plan would go out the window for some reason (poor game-time decisions by QB, poor game-time decisions by OC), the play calling would potentially revert to plays that perhaps were not practiced a whole lot.
While I like that we can show multiple styles of formations based on the talent of our personnel, it is absolutely contingent on fundamentals of the system to minimize the amount of complexity for the players to learn the system and execute it, and then recruiting specific-style personnel to fit those roles so that there isn’t this huge variation in style from year to year that would confuse the older players. I just haven’t seen that at OU recently, and regardless of who steps in I’m cautiously hopeful that they will have a system established, rather than presenting a very disjointed set of plays. Just my $0.02.
Is Riley officially announced as OC, or just everyone guessing?
He can’t be announced until the paperwork is done but I can tell you from his movement on Twitter, he is OUr guy….