USC HC Lincoln Riley brushes off Oklahoma AD's SEC jab with a sharp cryptic message
Lincoln Riley, who spent five seasons as coach of the Oklahoma Sooners, has responded to Oklahoma AD Joe Castiglione's comments about the Sooners' SEC move. Riley's tenure was largely successful, going 55-10, leading the team to the College Football Playoff in his first three seasons.
Oklahoma won four consecutive Big 12 titles, and Riley was named the 2018 Big 12 Coach of the Year. He coached two quarterbacks - Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray - to the Heisman Trophy, and they were selected first overall in back-to-back seasons.
Despite the successful run, his time with the program ended under less than ideal circumstances, as he accepted the coaching position with the USC Trojans as chatter circulated that Riley was not on board with the Sooners' move to the SEC.
At Oklahoma's first SEC Media Days, athletic director Joe Castiglione suggested that there may have been truth to the rumors. That led Riley to brush off the comments at USC's first Big Ten Media Days. Brett McMurphy of The Action Network shared their remarks, tweeting:
"USC’s Lincoln Riley asked for his response to Oklahoma AD Joe Castiglione saying “the (OU) coaches that weren’t (excited about joining SEC) aren’t here anymore” “I’m not getting into that. Next question”"
Check out Brett McMurphy's tweet below:
Riley and the Sooners haven't found the same success since their split in 2021. The Trojans have a 19-8 record during Riley's two-year tenure at the program. Meanwhile, his successor at Oklahoma, Brent Venables, has a 16-10 mark in his first coaching gig.
Lincoln Riley shares how he plans to follow Nick Saban's footsteps
The Alabama Crimson Tide won six national championships under legendary coach Nick Saban, who led the team for 17 seasons before retiring in January.
Lincoln Riley referenced Alabama's scheduling model when discussing his plans for the USC Trojans. Brett McMurphy of The Action Network shared his comments, tweeting:
"USC’s Lincoln Riley on future scheduling challenges, mentioned Alabama’s scheduling model under Nick Saban: “Alabama didn’t schedule for their fans, they scheduled to win championships”"
Check out Brett McMurphy's tweet below:
Alabama's schedule has often included one non-major and two mid-major opponents.
USC's non-conference schedule will include just one mid-major program - the Utah State Aggies. Their other two matchups outside of Big Ten play will come against the LSU Tigers and Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Both teams finished 10-3 in the 2023 season and are expected to contend for a College Football Playoff berth.