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Oklahoma football: The best thing I heard today

By Chip Rouse

Nov 28, 2015; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley watches a replay during the second half against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium. Oklahoma won 58-23. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley watches a replay during the second half against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium. Oklahoma won 58-23. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports /
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New Oklahoma football coach Lincoln Riley has been in a whirlwind the past two weeks after being named to replace Bob Stoops, who announced his retirement suddenly after 18 seasons on the job.

That means the Sooners go from having the longest tenured head coach among FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) teams to the youngest. Riley, 33, is the youngest head coach in the FBS. That’s five years younger than Stoops was when he became the OU head coach but just three years younger than Barry Switzer was in his first season as the Sooner head coach, in 1973.

For the past two seasons, Riley has served as the Sooners’ offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. He says he has felt right at home at OU from the moment he first arrived there. He attributes that to the terrific Sooner fan base and the wonderful people of the state of Oklahoma.

“When you move around in this business, sometimes you’re at places where you feel like it takes you a while to become one of them, or you’re still maybe the outsider for a while,” the new OU head coach said in a published interview with assistant athletic director Mike Houck.

“From the first day, we’ve felt at home. The best thing about this state is the people. They’re passionate, they’re real, they’re genuine, and we’ve loved every minute here.” –OU head coach Lincoln Riley on the people of Oklahoma

“From the first day, we’ve felt at home,” Riley said. “The best thing about this state is the people. They’re passionate, they’re real, they’re genuine, and we’ve loved every minute here.”

As long as the Sooners keep winning, the new head coach will continue to feel the love and admiration of the Sooner Nation. The moment the tide turns, however, all bets are off.

Riley has a message for all Sooner fans:

“I know you’re right there with us every step of the way, and I appreciate you and I’ll give you everything I have.”

Standards are very high for Oklahoma football. Giving all you have is an expectation of every Sooner player, as well as the coaching staff.

The cream always rises to the top. This is Lincoln Riley’s time.

The first act will be Sept. 2 at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium against the University of Texas-El Paso.

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