Oklahoma removes former Lincoln Riley assistant from staff directory
Oklahoma has removed cornerbacks coach Roy Manning from its staff directory, and all indications point to Manning joining Lincoln Riley’s staff at USC.
Manning has not officially been announced as USC’s next cornerbacks coach. However, five-star Plus+ cornerback Domani Jackson recently narrowed down his list to two schools in USC and Alabama, and along the way, he appeared to accidentally indicate that Jackson was recruiting for USC — despite still being on staff at Oklahoma and going on recruiting trips with interim head coach Bob Stoops.
Jackson suggests Manning is joining Riley, leaving Oklahoma for USC
Manning, hired in January 2019 as Oklahoma’s cornerbacks coach, was on the recruiting trail with interim head coach Bob Stoops as of Tuesday afternoon, representing Oklahoma — not USC. Three-star wide receiver Xavion Brice thanked Manning and other Sooners’ staffers for a home visit on Twitter, hours after Jackson suggested a conflicting story.
In an interview with 247 Sports, Jackson discussed his interest in USC and Alabama as he inches closer towards a decision. Riley, now with USC, apparently told Jackson that he’d like to send a few Trojans’ staffers his way for introductions, including Manning.
“He said he wants send in (defensive coordinator Alex) Grinch first and then he’ll come in later. I’ve heard from coach Grinch too and also Roy Manning, who was the DB coach at OU,” Jackson said, via 247 Sports. “I’ve been texting back and forth with coach Manning and looking forward to meeting those guys in person.”
Jackson told 247 Sports that he does not yet know Manning personally. But their text conversations implies that Manning is already putting in work in USC’s recruiting, despite not only still coaching for Oklahoma, but also simultaneously making home visits for the Sooners.
“He talked about their track record at Oklahoma for getting DBs drafted,” Jackson said of Manning, via 247. “He said they put three in the Draft the last three years with two starting in the League (NFL) right now. He said to give them a chance and said they’re about to do something special so I’m going to give them a shot for sure.”
Prior to his arrival at Oklahoma, Manning — a Michigan and NFL alum — served on Grinch’s coaching staff at Washington State. The year before Manning started under Grinch at Washington State, the Cougars’ defense ranked 99th nationally in total defense; within three seasons, Manning had helped turn around the defensive unit, improving to 16th in total defense.
While Grinch has already travelled with Riley to USC, where he’ll hold the same title as defensive coordinator, Manning remains with Oklahoma.