Insider's look on how Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley to LSU could happen

In an appearance on the Paul Finebaum Show on Thursday, columnist Scott Rabalais of the Advocate in Baton Rouge said Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley is a top candidate for the LSU job. Rabalais also mentioned Mel Tucker of Michigan State and Jimbo Fisher of Texas A&M.

“You have Lincoln Riley, who of course is of the Sean McVay mold – the hot, young, offensive-minded coach, has won the Big 12 every year, in the Playoffs his first three years, didn’t make it last year. And you’d think: why would he leave Oklahoma? LSU has won three national titles since Oklahoma won its last one. And stomped Oklahoma on their way to their last one two years ago. Maybe he’s thinking there’s a ceiling at Oklahoma. It’d take a lot of money, but LSU is willing to spend it. I will say this: people that say, ‘you can’t get this guy, you can’t get that guy.’ Scott Woodward is not going to be limited by his imagination, who he can go after or what he can pay. I think for the right candidate there could be a $100-million package out there. And that’s going to get people’s attention.”

The Sooners head man missed Tuesday’s media availability for “personal reasons.” He later stated Thursday that it was not related to football, or his job with Oklahoma.

“No, not really,” Riley said, when asked if he’d heard of the LSU rumors. “I mean, I was here working, doing my thing. So nah, not really. I’m kind of sheltered during the season. So I’m sure there’s a good story I’ll hear later on. But that was it. It was a lot more boring, I’m sure, than what’s out there.”

Riley has enjoyed much success since taking over the program in 2017 following the retirement of Bob Stoops. He has posted a 54-8 overall record since then and led the Sooners to three College Football Playoff appearances, though they have never made the title game. Considered an offensive savant, Riley also coached two Heisman Trophy winners in quarterbacks Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray.

LSU announced following a Week 7 win against Florida that it would cut ties with coach Ed Orgeron at the end of this season. The Tigers won the national championship in 2019 but are a mediocre 9-10 since then.

Oklahoma is one of four remaining undefeated teams in college football this season. Despite their 9-0 record, the Sooners sit at No. 8 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings. Part of this has to do with a slow start to the season. Five of their first six games were decided by a touchdown or less.

True freshman quarterback Caleb Williams took the reigns from Spencer Rattler during the Red River Showdown and never gave them back. He has started every game since, giving new life to an offense that before struggled to score. The Sooners have posted 50 or more points in two of his three starts thus far.

Oklahoma is entering its most challenging stretch of the season, beginning with a Week 11 matchup against No. 13 Baylor on the road. Following that, the Sooners finish out the year against Iowa State and Oklahoma State.

Despite rumors that he might depart for LSU, Lincoln Riley is focused on a Big 12 championship and fourth CFP appearance.

“Personal matter that I was dealing with, and dealt with,” Riley reiterated. “It didn’t take away from any of our preparation here, thankfully, and back to normal now.