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Oklahoma’s Bob stops, Joe Castiglione surprised by Lincoln Riley’s USC departure: ‘No mention of unrest’



Lincoln Riley’s decision to leave Oklahoma for USC after five seasons shocked the college football world when it was announced Sunday. Riley is 55-10 with four Big 12 titles and four top 10 finishes during his time at Norman.

Early fans less satisfied at the discretion of Riley and the show itself lost some key commits while midfielder Spencer Rattler have entered the remittance portal. To make matters worse, Oklahoma president Joe Harroz confirmed during a press conference Monday that the university and Riley have spent the past few weeks working on an extension to prepare for the transfer to the SEC.

He, as well as athletic director Joe Castiglione, also said Riley’s move has little to do with Oklahoma’s trajectory toward the SEC.

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“There hasn’t been any mention of any unrest. In fact, we’re talking about all the positives of the job and where we are right now and what we plan to do. do in the future,” said Castiglione. “But when he spoke to president Harroz and me, he said he was intrigued by a different kind of opportunity. He was absolutely happy with everything that we had.”

Even so, all parties involved admitted they were surprised by Riley’s decision. Harroz admitted they would have liked to be “more informed,” and Castiglione said things rose in earnest Sunday morning before Riley made her decision later that afternoon.

“I have absolutely no reason to believe that based on the conversations I have had, with (Riley’s camp) going on, that there have been any conversations (with USC) prior to his time. She informed us,” Castiglione said.

Riley confirmed just as much, and offered a similar timeline after his team’s 37-33 loss to Oklahoma State in Bedlam, which knocked the Sooners out of contention for the Big 12 title for the first time ever. during his Oklahoma tenure.

“I got information from USC that there are some real concerns,” Riley said in Opening press conference at USC. “It came together quickly. And honestly in this day and age in college football, it’s like that. That’s the way of the world right now.”

THAN: Why did Lincoln Riley leave Oklahoma?

“I can say the impact of meeting with our university leadership was pretty immediate for me,” says Riley. “We obviously know about this program, are aware of what it’s done, what it could be.”

Castiglione was soon shortlisted as the soon-to-be coach of the College Football Hall of Fame – and former leader of the Sooners program – Bob stopped to serve as the team’s interim coach for the bowl game.

“Am I disappointed? Sure. The rest is between Lincoln and me personally, as it should be,” Stoops said. “My initial reaction was the best for the immediate program and the recruitment. And the players as well. I should say first of all, the players on our team right now, give some reassurance. them that they are football people who stick together.”

Stoops said the current assistant team is working to ensure the health of the players is currently a top priority.

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Stoops said: “All is well.

Castiglione, Oklahoma’s athletic director since 1998, has made no secret when discussing the Sooners’ hiring process and in general what he’s looking for in the show’s next coach position. However, he has admitted that he has a list of potential candidates and has had a while.

“It’s going to be stealthy, as usual,” he said. “We know the importance of time and timing and what we need to do with everything that’s going on in this very different and new world.

“I absolutely have a list. I don’t necessarily know when I have to activate it – I think it could have been good but that being said, that’s why you have a list,” I said.

He did not elaborate on who is or isn’t on the roster, if he will choose an offensive mindset like Riley or a defensive mindset like Stoops, or if the next coach will be an existing one. or formerly staff (all but a former Sooners coach since 1966 has been_.

THAN: Oklahoma’s 7 best coaching contenders to replace Lincoln Riley, from Bob Stoops to Josh Heupel

The only name not on the list is Stoops himself, whose current term will begin and end with a game of bowl. Harroz said they have been trying to get Stoops back full-time.

With the early signing date fast approaching, changes to the transfer rules and the overall landscape evolving, Castiglione understands the need to be responsible and fast.

“I never give a specific timetable. But based on conversations I had with our players yesterday, some today, we are all engaged in talking. with our previous commitments and the families of the recruits,” said Castiglione. “We understand the dynamics of a world that we haven’t really seen much. So again, we’re very proactive about all of that and we’re moving as fast as we can.”





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