Kersey: How Oklahoma is dealing with the fallout from Lincoln Riley’s shocking exit for USC: ‘Tensions are high’

NORMAN, Okla. — A group of Oklahoma football players congregated Sunday afternoon in the parking lot across the street from Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Riley’s decision to walk away hours after the Sooners lost to Bedlam rival Oklahoma State astonished this program, state and the college football world. In a statement, Riley said it was a personal decision that was among the most difficult of his life and “solely based on my willingness to go take on a new challenge.” Statements from President Harroz, Joe Castiglione, Lincoln Riley and Bob Stoops.#BoomerSooner pic.twitter.com/g1zazNgE76 — Oklahoma Football November 29, 2021 Riley went 55-10 in five seasons as Sooners head coach, leading OU to four Big 12 championships and three Playoff appearances, though the Sooners never won a national semifinal. Following the Sooners’ 37-33 loss Saturday night at Oklahoma State, Riley flatly denied speculation he would take the LSU head coaching job. '” Another said, “Shit, man, I don’t have a job right now.” According to sources inside the meeting, Castiglione introduced Stoops — Oklahoma’s all-time winningest coach who is wrapping up his first season as part of Fox Sports’ “Big Noon Kickoff” panel.