Despite the NFL's considerable interest in him, Lincoln Riley has talked all along like a coach with no intention to leave Oklahoma.
He has now put his money where his mouth already was.
Oklahoma on Tuesday announced an extension and raise for its second-year head coach. Terms are still being finalized and were not disclosed. He made $4.8 million in 2018 and was set to make $4.9 million in 2019.
“We felt it important to extend and amend Lincoln’s contract at this time as we want him at the University of Oklahoma for a long time,” said OU president James Gallogly. “He is a great coach and role model for our student-athletes. His record of success speaks for itself.
“Lincoln is also the right representative for our university in such a high-profile position. I am proud to work with him and anxious to support him as he takes our program into the future.”
In two seasons since taking over for Bob Stoops, the 35-year-old is 24-4 with two Big 12 championships, two College Football Playoff appearances and two Heisman Trophy winners. In his four seasons since joining the program as an offensive coordinator, Oklahoma is 46-8 with four Big 12 championships, three Playoff appearances, a Sugar Bowl win and a total of four Heisman Trophy finalists.
Simply put, Riley's arrival ushered in an era of offensive success never before seen in college football, and both sides are intent on keeping that train rolling into the foreseeable future.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.