Lincoln Riley addresses rumors linking him to LSU head coach opening

In his Bedlam postgame press conference, Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley finally gave a definitive answer regarding rumors that he is leaving for the open LSU job. Sooner fans can breathe a sigh of relief, because the coach is staying in Norman.

“Let me stop you right there,” Riley said. “I’m not going to be the next coach at LSU. Next question.”

Reports had surfaced in recent weeks that Riley might be leaving for a more lucrative deal. The reported amount the Tigers were prepared to offer would pay him $12 million per year, a huge raise from his salaries with the Sooners.

Riley had previously dismissed such reports, saying that he is focused on being the Oklahoma coach both now and in the future.

“It’s pretty easy,” he said. “I coach the University of Oklahoma football team. You guys know how I feel about this place and this program. We’ve all been down this road many times before. You guys know where I stand on that and that hasn’t changed.”

Before Saturday’s game, a tweet surfaced reporting that LSU and Riley had already reached a verbal agreement. However, that is now in direct conflict with a verbal statement from Riley himself.

The coach of the Sooners since 2017, Riley has compiled a 55-10 overall record. The 37-33 loss to Oklahoma State on Saturday was his first in the Bedlam rivalry game. It also eliminated Oklahoma from College Football Playoff contention, as the Sooners will not play in the Big 12 Championship Game. It will be the second year in a row that Oklahoma has missed the Playoff after reaching it in Riley’s first three seasons.

LSU coach Ed Orgeron had previously reached an agreement to part ways with the football program at the conclusion of 2021. After beating Texas A&M in the final game of the regular season to reach six wins, Orgeron announced he will not coach the Tigers in their bowl game. Instead, offensive line coach Brad Davis will serve as the interim coach.

The Bedlam loss was the first for the Sooners since 2014 and just the third against longtime Cowboys coach Mike Gundy. Now knowing the Lincoln Riley has no intentions of leaving for LSU, Oklahoma can focus on closing out the year strong as it awaits its bowl destination.