Oklahoma Sooners Football: Raises approved for Oklahoma coaching staff

Most assumed that Oklahoma Sooners head coach Lincoln Riley would be getting a decent raise after a highly successful debut season at the helm, and those suspicions were confirmed Tuesday at OU’s Board of Regents meeting. The board approved a raise that puts Riley’s salary at $4.8 million, and his salary will average out to $5 million through 2023 — meaning he will receive a $100,000 raise after each season. This also gives Riley the upper hand over quarterback and No. 9 MLB Draft pick Kyler Murray.

Riley’s base salary was $3.1 million in 2017 and was up around $3.5 million after incentives.

Oklahoma’s assistants also got some nice raises, with Co-OC/OL coach Bill Bedenbaugh getting a $90,000 bump up to $625,000 per season. As well as he’s done with his position group during his time in Norman, no raise is too high. He needs to stay in town as long as possible. Give him all the money.

Here are the base salaries for the others:

Shane Beamer, who is entering his first season, will make $435,000 annually.

One thing that stands out is the fact that Mike Stoops is not only getting a raise but has been extended through 2020. Keeping him around is one thing, but this justifiably raises some eyebrows. Let’s check in with RJ:

I’m not a fan of the message sent by this decision. I understand the arguments pertaining Big 12 offenses and adjusting one’s expectations, but what we’ve seen these past two seasons is simply unacceptable from pretty much every angle. It is, however, worth mentioning that the talent level on that side of the ball seems to be trending in the right direction, which could lead to him having a bit more trust in his personnel. Will he eventually push the right buttons? Perhaps, but I don’t think too many of us will ever rest easy.

A few other things from the meeting:

• Many of us (myself included) would like to see alcohol sold outside of the donor areas at Memorial Stadium. Don’t hold your breath for it to happen anytime soon, but one can still dream.

• Matt McMillan, who was the Director of Football Ops and Bob Stoops’ right-hand man for 18 years (plus one year with Riley), will be succeeded by Clarke Stroud. Stroud had been the Dean of Students since 2000.

• The University of Oklahoma has a new president, and he’s already making a bit of a splash. Due primarily to new building projects, the Norman campus currently has a debt of around $1 billion.

• Finally, OU is well on it’s way to having a new softball stadium/facility, as the board approved a design phase on Tuesday.