Here’s why Lincoln Riley is overrated: When OU takes the field every Saturday, Riley usually has a talent advantage he will NEVER have in the NFL. It’s a lot easier to look like a genius against Kansas and Kansas State than against the Eagles. The talent disparity in college is HUGE compared to the NFL.
I do think Riley is a good young coach. But what evidence do we have he would have success in the NFL? He never played or coached in this league. Look at Nick Saban’s Short stint in Miami. When he didn’t have a huge talent advantage, somehow his “genius” wasn’t as great. Same for Chip Kelly’s “genius”.
And why would Riley want to work for Jerry? In Norman, OK, he has a ton of freedom and recruiting for a top 5 program isn’t as hard as at some Podunk U. He’s already making huge money and is super popular in Norman. Why come to the circus here where the owner comes to every coaches meeting and tells you who you can’t discipline?
Finally, what evidence do we have Jerry is giving up on his red headed puppet? He said this summer he wanted Garrett around for 10 more years. Unless this team has a complete collapse, I can’t see Jerry making a change. I would like to see Garrett gone, but there’s no evidence he’s even on a hot seat.