Joe Castiglione On Replacing Lincoln Riley: ‘We’ll Move Quickly’
Joe Castiglione told reporters on Monday that the Oklahoma Sooners will “move quickly” to replace Lincoln Riley, who resigned on Sunday to take over the USC Trojans.
Castiglione shot down the idea that a replacement had already been found, in the wake of rumors leading up to the press conference that the Sooners had tapped Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables to take the job. Some betting outlets had Venables as the leading candidate for the job.
Castiglione did admit that he knows that “time is of the essence. We’ll move quickly.”
But, given the nature of the job, he knows that he’ll have his pick of potential replacements.
“It’s already drawn interest that is off the charts,” Castiglione said. “In spite of how inquisitive you (the media) are and how many rumors you want me to confirm, I won’t. It’s going to be as stealthy as usual.”
Castiglione is conducting a coaching search for the football program for the first time since he hired Bob Stoops in 1998. When Stoops stepped aside in 2017, he elevated Riley to the head-coaching position.
Castiglione said he keeps a list of candidates for these situations. He said he was also getting phone calls from coaches that some might not immediately come to mind for the Oklahoma job. But he also admitted he has a basic criteria for the new hire.
“We’re looking for a coach like Coach (Bob) Stoops,” Castiglione said. “We’re looking for a coach like Lincoln Riley.”
In the first 24 hours since Riley announced his departure from Oklahoma, at least a half-dozen recruits have decommitted from the program, and quarterback Spencer Rattler has announced his entry into the transfer portal.
Riley touchdown down in Southern California on Monday to take his new job. Former Sooners head coach Bob Stoops will be the interim head coach for the bowl game.
You can find Matthew Postins on Twitter @PostinsPostcard.
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