Oklahoma Sooners Football - It’s Official: Lincoln Riley Is Oklahoma’s Head Coach

After news broke of Oklahoma Sooners head coach Bob Stoops’ retirement, the University of Oklahoma confirmed the news and released statements from Stoops and Lincoln Riley. Riley, who has been Oklahoma’s offensive coordinator for the past two seasons, will indeed be the next head football coach of the Oklahoma Sooners.

Here is the statement from Stoops:

“After 18 years at the University of Oklahoma, I've decided to step down as the head football coach. I understand there has been some speculation about my health. My health was not the deciding factor in this decision and I've had no incidents that would prevent me from coaching. I feel the timing is perfect to hand over the reins. The program is in tremendous shape. We have outstanding players and coaches and are poised to make another run at a Big 12 and national championship. We have new state-of-the-art facilities and a great start on next year's recruiting class. The time is now because Lincoln Riley will provide a seamless transition as the new head coach, capitalizing on an excellent staff that is already in place and providing familiarity and confidence for our players. Now is simply the ideal time for me and our program to make this transition.

“The Bible says, "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." I'm grateful for this season of my life, and feel I've fulfilled my purpose here at OU as its head football coach.

“I'm thankful that my career at Oklahoma was marked with consistent leadership in President David Boren and Director of Athletics Joe Castiglione. It's extremely rare in college athletics to have no change in these leadership positions over a nearly 20-year span. I always appreciated the way both of them supported me and our program. They both played an enormous role in all our successes.

“I have been very fortunate to have such outstanding coaches in my time at OU. Our players have always benefitted from their strong leadership, on and off the field. I was also blessed with a strong support staff — strength and conditioning, equipment, sports medicine, academics, video — every aspect of our program was staffed with very talented people who took a great deal of pride in making Oklahoma football the best.

“I'm especially thankful for being able to coach so many talented young men over my 18 years here. It has been so rewarding to see these players come to OU and mature over a four or five-year career, and not just on the field. To play a small part in their growth is what I will always cherish the most.

None of my success would have happened without the best fans in the country. I can't tell you how much I appreciated the 110 consecutive home sellouts. The passion of our fan base is unmatched, and their support has played a huge role in not only home games, but road games and all 18 of our bowl games, as well.

“Lastly, I'd like to thank my wife, Carol, and my daughter, Mackie, and my sons, Drake and Isaac. They have been a major part of this success. Being the wife or child of a coach is often tough, and they've all been strong through both good times and challenging times.

“The coaching life is like a relay race and I'm thankful for my turn and am confident as I pass the baton. Carol and I intend on staying in Norman — it is our home. I will be available to Coach Riley and the athletic department in any manner. Thank you all for a lifetime of memories we shared together of 10 conference championships, the 2000 national championship, strong relationships with players and coaches, and the great Oklahoma football fans. Boomer!”

A press conference will be held at 5:30 Wednesday afternoon to announce the changes. Riley, 33, is now the youngest head coach at a Power Five program. Despite his age, I think it’s safe to say that the Oklahoma football program is in good hands. In fact, his youthfulness can definitely bee seen as an advantage, especially on the recruiting trail!

According to reports, Lincoln Riley is expected to stay on as the team’s primary play-caller. I’m usually not a huge fan of the head coach having this role, but I think I can make an exception in this instance. Riley is one of the most clever and innovative offensive minds in the game today, and I’m 100% in favor of him calling plays.

Again, we’ll have more to say about all of this soon, but until then let’s just be thankful for the years we’ve had with Bob Stoops. He brought the program back from the dead, won consistently and has been a class act the entire time. Here’s to you, Bob!