To say the Oklahoma Sooners have been dealing with a boatload of issues is a huge understatement. From the lack of production on the field to the benching of former Heisman hopeful Spencer Rattler, it's been a tumultuous season in Norman and now there are rumors swirling that head coach Lincoln Riley was offered a huge contract to become the next coach at LSU.
These rumors have yet to have been confirmed, but Riley was asked about the LSU vacancy during a press conference Tuesday and he completely downplays the entire thing.
"I coach at the University of Oklahoma. You know how I feel about this place and this program, Riley said. "We've all been down this road many times before. You guys know where I stand and that hasn't changed."
Riley is likely tired of hearing rumors that he will be leaving OU to coach somewhere else. His name has been mentioned for multiple openings, most notably with the Dallas Cowboys. Riley is 54-9 at Oklahoma, which promoted him to replace longtime coach Bob Stoops after the 2016 season. In 2020, Riley agreed to a six-year, $45.2 million contract with Oklahoma. He has been rather successful at OU leading the Sooners to a Big 12 title in each of his first four seasons, and playoff appearances in 2017, 2018 and 2019. He can also lay claim to reviving the careers of Baker Mayfield, Jalen Hurts and Kyler Murray.
Ed Orgeron has just two more regular season games left until he's out of Baton Rouge, unless they can beat a ranked Texas A&M team to make a bowl game.
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Riley has never coached in the SEC, starting his career out at Texas Tech before heading to East Carolina and eventually Oklahoma as an offensive coordinator in 2015. With the success Riley has had there, it's hard to imagine him taking a job in a conference Oklahoma will be heading into a few years.
This leaves the job search a little less clear as it seems like the administration is looking to go for a big name. The question is, will they be able to attract one? Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker and former LSU assistant and Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher have been mentioned as potential candidates for the job. Fisher may be out for the job, as he reiterated Monday that he will remain with the Aggies for the 2022 season.
The Tigers take on UL-Monroe Saturday at 9:00 p.m. before facing the Aggies at home on Thanksgiving weekend.
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