There’s been a lot of chatter about Oklahoma Sooners head coach Lincoln Riley as a hot target for NFL teams looking for a new head coach. Of course, one of those teams would be the Cleveland Browns, who just so happen to feature on of Riley’s most dynamic former pupils, Baker Mayfield.
Not surprisingly, some of the chatter surrounding Riley connects him to the Browns, as it seems like a reunion with Mayfield in Cleveland would be a tremendous move to boost the franchise.
On that note, Mayfield himself was asked whether he thinks his old coach would thrive in the NFL. Not surprisingly, he does.
“I do,” Mayfield said in a teleconference with Denver beat writers ahead of Sunday’s game against the Broncos, per Kyle Fredrickson of The Denver Post. “That’s because I firmly believe in him. I think he’s the best coach I’ve ever had and just because I was there (at OU) with him for years. I know him better than any coach I’ve ever had, too. Just being able to know what he’s capable of, how he affects everybody else around him; coaches, the families included, and obviously his own players. He does something special. I believe in Lincoln.”
That’s quite a glowing recommendation. It’s sure a heck of a lot different that stuff Mayfield has said recently about his other, more recent former head coach.
And reading between the lines, it sure sounds like Mayfield wouldn’t be upset if he were to be reunited with Riley in Cleveland.
For his part, Riley has recently indicated he loves coaching at Oklahoma. But should the NFL come calling, with its millions and the prestige that comes with the job, he might just have a change of heart.