USC football coach Lincoln Riley pens open letter to Oklahoma fans

Almost five months after Lincoln Riley shocked the college football world and left Oklahoma for USC, the head coach wrote an open letter the Player's Tribune to Sooner fans in an effort to explain his decision to move on.

"As much as my family and I loved Norman and cherished the success we were having on the field, sometimes life throws you curveballs at the most unexpected times," Riley said in the letter.

"Honestly, I always figured I would end my coaching career at OU. But when my agent called me to pass along interest from USC, I was immediately intrigued by the possibilities."

That possibility came to Riley in the form of a Zoom meeting with people from USC, and the coach said he made the decision to leave very quickly.

The news of Riley leaving for USC came the morning after OU's loss to Oklahoma State. After the game, Riley denied reports that he was interested in taking the open LSU position, but he never mentioned anything about USC.

Things I would do differently

"There are aspects of my departure and transition that I would certainly do differently if I could do it again, and I acknowledge that I could have handled some parts of the situation better," Riley wrote.

"I absolutely own that. While I was able to talk with several players after the team meeting, I wish I would have had the time to sit down with each individual player and staff member to explain my decision.

"Since my move, many have asked me why I would leave Oklahoma, and the best — and most honest — answer is that the opportunity at USC was simply the right job at the right time for me and for my family.

"We all have moments in life where we are faced with difficult choices, and this was the path my family and I chose. I don't expect everyone to understand; in my line of work, that's not possible."

Oklahoma moves on

Lincoln Riley's sudden departure came as a major shock to Oklahoma and its fan base. His leaving marked the first time OU lost a coach to another college football program since the 1940s and inaugurated the school's first outside search for a coach since 1999.

Oklahoma hired former Clemson and OU defensive coordinator Brent Venables, one of the most respected defensive minds in the game, to serve as head coach going forward.

Riley says thanks

"I want to say THANK YOU to everyone who was a part of our journey in Norman: every player, every staff member and every fan," Riley wrote. "I am eternally grateful for each one of you."

Oklahoma fans may be grateful to Riley after he went 55-10 in five years and went to three College Football Playoffs, but doubtless there will be some who never forgive.

(h/t Player's Tribune)

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