Details emerge on Lincoln Riley departure from Oklahoma

The biggest coaching change of the offseason took place on Sunday, with Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley reportedly making a move to USC. On3’s Matt Zenitz was the first to report, with an official announcement expected soon.

Details of Riley’s move are beginning to emerge, with the first from Carey Murdock from SoonerScoop. He said there was a brief meeting between the head coach and the players.

Riley reportedly “only spent a couple of minutes with the team to tell them the news and then walked out.” He was announced the head coach at USC less than an hour and a half later.

Dean Blevins, the Sports Director at OKC-KWTV, shared when he knew Riley was heading out west on Sunday as well. He said for the first time in 25 years of doing the Oklahoma head coach show, one was going to be late.

“For first time in 25 yrs of taping OU head coach show on Sundays, was told at showtime Lincoln Riley would be 3-4 hrs late,” Blevins says. “Now, complete no-show, confirming he’s SC bound. Sooners have been askew from early in Baylor week. Disastrous – Recruiting. Commits. SEC.”

Blevins points how how “disastrous” this would be for Oklahoma, especially in the recruiting world. A plethora of commits have already decommitted from the Sooners, with On3 Consensus five-star Los Alamitos (CA) Los Alamitos quarterback Malachi Nelson being the biggest name.

Oklahoma Sooners QB Caleb Williams reacts to Riley news

There were many reactions to the news of Riley heading to Los Angeles. One of which was from starting quarterback Caleb Williams. The true freshman was a long time commit during his recruitment and spoke nothing but highly of the head coach.

Just because Riley decided to make a change, does not mean Williams had anything but respect.

“I appreciate all the concerns about the situation but I am also happy for Coach Riley, mama Riley, Sloan and Stella for that huge opportunity ahead,” Williams said. “That’s all I plan to say right now! #boomer”

Williams, a true freshman that ranked a five-star recruit in On3 Consensus rankings, entered the season as Oklahoma’s backup quarterback. To no one’s surprise, Riley started the season with Spencer Rattler, the preseason Heisman Trophy favorite, under center, but after a slew of subpar performances — coupled with Williams’ come-from-behind victory over Texas — Williams took over the starting role.

In that time, he’s solidified himself as a multifaceted quarterback, carrying Riley’s offense with 1,670 passing yards, 18 touchdowns and four interceptions on a 62.5 completion rate, while also rushing for 408 yards and six touchdowns on 72 carries.