In an unexpected yet heartwarming development, former Oklahoma Sooners head coach Lincoln Riley, who made a high-profile move to the University of Southern California (USC) in 2022, has reportedly sent a personal message to his successor at Oklahoma, Brent Venables. The message, which has sent ripples throughout the college football world, focuses on the future of the Sooners program and provides insights into navigating the ever-changing college football landscape, particularly with the transition to the SEC and the evolving nature of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals.
Riley, who left Oklahoma after five seasons at the helm, built one of the most successful offenses in college football and helped the Sooners become a perennial contender for the College Football Playoff. His move to USC came as a shock to many, especially given the success he had achieved in Norman, but Riley’s subsequent work at USC has shown a commitment to revitalizing the Trojans’ program. Now, with a new chapter unfolding for both Riley and Venables, this message is being seen as a sign of respect and camaraderie between the two coaches, despite the fierce competition that exists in the world of college football.
Lincoln Riley’s Impact on Oklahoma: A Legacy of Offensive Excellence
Riley’s tenure at Oklahoma, from 2015 to 2021, was marked by unprecedented success, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Under his leadership, Oklahoma’s offense became one of the most explosive in college football, averaging over 40 points per game and consistently producing Heisman Trophy candidates, including quarterbacks Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray.
The Sooners enjoyed a remarkable run of Big 12 championships under Riley, who brought a modern, fast-paced, and high-powered offense to Norman that transformed the program into a national powerhouse. However, despite these offensive successes, Oklahoma’s defense struggled during Riley’s tenure, often falling short in big games and limiting the team’s ability to break through in the College Football Playoff.
In 2022, Riley shocked the college football world by leaving Oklahoma for USC, a decision that set the stage for significant changes both in Norman and on the West Coast. His departure left Oklahoma with the monumental task of finding a successor capable of continuing the program’s elite status. Enter Brent Venables, who was hired in December 2021 to take over as Oklahoma’s head coach.
Venables, a former defensive coordinator at Clemson, was considered one of the top defensive minds in college football, but the transition from coordinator to head coach at a storied program like Oklahoma was always going to be a daunting task. The pressure was amplified by the high expectations left by Riley’s successful tenure, and the Sooners’ transition from the Big 12 to the SEC.
Venables’ First Year: The Challenge of Rebuilding and Reclaiming Oklahoma’s Elite Status
Brent Venables’ first season at the helm of Oklahoma in 2022 was a year of significant change. While the Sooners experienced some growing pains, the foundation was set for future success. Venables, known for his defensive acumen and work ethic, inherited a program that was in flux following Riley’s departure and the loss of several key players.
Oklahoma’s 2022 season saw a mix of ups and downs, as the team tried to adjust to Venables’ defensive philosophies while continuing to develop offensively. Venables had to balance the pressure of following Riley’s offensive-minded tenure with the need to restore Oklahoma’s once-dominant defense. Despite a few setbacks, Venables managed to keep the program competitive in the Big 12 while also beginning the long process of preparing for the challenges of the SEC.
As Venables embarks on his second year with the Sooners, the message from Lincoln Riley could provide valuable perspective, both in terms of navigating the expectations of a storied program and handling the complex changes facing college football today.
The Message from Lincoln Riley: A Mentor’s Guidance to His Successor
Though the exact details of Riley’s message to Venables remain private, sources close to both coaches suggest that it centers on several key themes: adjusting to leadership responsibilities, navigating the challenges of the SEC transition, and dealing with the evolving landscape of college football, particularly in relation to recruitment and NIL deals.
1. The Importance of Player Development and Building a Culture
In his message, Riley likely emphasized the importance of continuing to develop Oklahoma’s player pipeline, both in terms of talent and leadership. During his time at Oklahoma, Riley became known for his ability to groom star quarterbacks and offensive players, but Venables faces a different challenge—rebuilding the defense while maintaining the explosive offensive identity Riley had built.
“You’ve got to continue to develop talent, but also develop leadership within your locker room,” Riley likely told Venables. “The foundation of the program is built not only on skill but on the culture you cultivate. If the players believe in the vision and trust in the system, you’ll weather the tough seasons and be in a great position moving forward.”
Riley’s success in developing Heisman-winning quarterbacks such as Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Jalen Hurts may have also inspired some advice on how to nurture both individual talent and team chemistry. Venables, known for his focus on defensive excellence, may find Riley’s input valuable in balancing the offense-defense dynamic, especially as he works to build a team capable of competing in the SEC.
2. Preparing for the SEC: The Road to National Championship Contention
A major part of Riley’s message to Venables likely focused on preparing for the Sooners’ transition from the Big 12 to the SEC, one of the most difficult and competitive moves in college football history. The SEC is home to perennial powers such as Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and Auburn, and every week will present a new challenge in the toughest conference in the nation.
“Competing in the SEC is a different animal,” Riley might have said. “The level of talent and the physicality are next level. You’ll need to have the depth and versatility on both sides of the ball. But remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to succeeding in this league. It’s about building your program in a way that reflects who you are, and continuing to evolve with the game.”
Riley’s experience in the Pac-12 at USC could offer an interesting contrast to the intense competition in the SEC, and Venables will undoubtedly benefit from Riley’s insights on managing the expectations and level of competition in such a high-stakes environment.
3. Navigating NIL and the New Age of College Football
Perhaps one of the most pressing issues facing college football coaches today is the growing influence of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals, which have completely transformed the landscape of recruitment and player compensation. Since NIL’s introduction in 2021, college football programs have had to adapt to the new reality, balancing the desires of players to secure lucrative NIL deals while maintaining competitive rosters.
In his message, Riley may have advised Venables on how to navigate this new era of college football, where recruitment is more competitive than ever and players are able to profit from their personal brand. Riley, who has seen firsthand how USC has embraced NIL deals, likely offered advice on how Oklahoma could position itself as a leader in this new landscape.
“The NIL world is here to stay,” Riley might have said. “It’s important to adapt and find ways to benefit your players while maintaining the integrity of the program. But don’t let it become the tail wagging the dog. Focus on player development and team goals, and the rest will fall into place.”
Riley’s guidance on balancing the pressures of NIL, recruitment, and roster management could prove crucial for Venables as he works to build a team that can thrive both in the SEC and in the era of NIL deals.
The Future of Oklahoma Football: A Bright Outlook
While Lincoln Riley’s departure from Oklahoma left a void, the future of the Sooners’ football program remains incredibly promising under Brent Venables’ leadership. The Sooners’ transition to the SEC will be one of the defining challenges of Venables’ career, but Riley’s message likely served as both a mentor’s encouragement and a reminder that the road ahead is full of opportunities as well as obstacles.
For Venables, the advice from his predecessor underscores the importance of adapting to a changing landscape, both in terms of college football’s structural shifts and the growing influence of NIL. With the full backing of the Oklahoma athletic department and its fanbase, Venables has the tools and resources to take the program to new heights.
Riley’s message is a rare example of the camaraderie and mentorship that exists behind the scenes in college football. While the two coaches may now be competitors on opposite coasts, their shared history at Oklahoma and their commitment to the future of college football make this exchange all the more significant.
The Big Picture: A Changing College Football Landscape
As both Riley and Venables continue to shape their respective programs, the future of college football remains in flux. The SEC’s continued dominance, the rise of the Big Ten, the impact of NIL, and the ever-increasing importance of the transfer portal will shape the sport for years to come. For coaches like Riley and Venables, the key will be remaining agile and adaptable in the face of these changes—continuing to develop top-tier talent while navigating the complexities of a rapidly evolving system.
For now, the college football world watches closely as Riley’s message serves as a guiding light for Venables, who continues to build the next great Oklahoma Sooners team. The friendship, mentorship, and mutual respect between the two will undoubtedly continue to be a force in the sport for years to come.