Will This be Lincoln's Last Year at OU?
Will this be Lincoln Riley's last year at Oklahoma? There will be many new coaching openings in the National Football League next year and the interest in Lincoln Riley will be mind boggling. Openings are expected at Washington, Miami, the Jets. Two that aren't open yet but might get his attention are in Cleveland and Dallas, Cleveland because of Baker Mayfield and Dallas well, because it's Dallas.
Let's talk about Cleveland first.
Browns owner Jimmy Haslam is already ALL-IN on Baker Mayfield, using his No. 1 overall pick on the former OU standout. What better way to insure you maximize your investment than to sign the Coach that got him to where he is-Lincoln Riley. Riley, a known QB whisperer, would be the perfect antidote to what ails the Browns, restoring Baker's confidence. If Browns GM John Dorsey could overwhelm Riley with say 6 years and $60 million dollars of Haslam's money, he could then turn his full attention to fixing his broken offensive line. That would make for a nice neat package for the Cleveland franchise and set them up for the long term.
Chances? 35%
Let's turn our attention to a more likely destination: The Dallas Cowboys.
Growing up in Muleshoe Texas, Lincoln Riley was always a fan of the team with the Star on their helmet. There is not a bigger name in Sports than the Dallas Cowboys. Being the coach of the Cowboys announces to the world "Look I've made it to the Top" It would put Lincoln's name in neon Blue and Silver letters. It doesn't get bigger than that. Jerry Jones has shown that he will spend what it takes to put the Cowboys in the spotlight, and his hiring of the Hottest Coach in college football would certainly cement that. BUT? Could/would Lincoln Riley coach under a hands-on owner like Jerry Jones? That would be the $60 million dollar question!
