Riley had been busy shopping at least since the week leading up to the Baylor game maybe longer.
This team seemed to lack focus all season. Maybe Riley was wanting a change of scenery before the season started. May be the reason Rattler went downhill fast. I dunno.
I'll do you better, this initial flirtation with USC has been going on much longer; their coach was fired after what the 2nd or 3rd game of the year?
LR's "people" started floating the misdirection of LSU to keep it unknown for the last couple of weeks.
The break in the foundation started when people outside the program starting pushing for CW to replace SR. This easily explains LR's unwillingness to never directly praise CW while always propping up SR.
My main issues are this has been going on for some time while the team and fans have been told how close the team was and how there would be no apologies for winning...even close games.
The day after the team, more specifically the offense pulls a disappearing act in the 2nd half and he says I'm not going to LSU (specifically), he signs on with USC.
And LR felt underappreciated? If true what the fu@k was the $7.8 million a year, his hire of Grinch, etc for? Is that not appreciation?
It does not surprise me LR wants the easy path to the CFP. This is his 5th year, with National Championship aspirations, and he failed miserably. His next NFL 1.1 quarterback prospect flamed out 5 games into the season.
Players playing that had no business on the fieldg, penalties, no accountability, etc. An offensive guru that could not make do with 4/5 star prospects all over the field.
IMO LR was pissed before the QB controversy and he was not focused on OU. He was having his people look around and putting out feelers. In a year of an unprecedented big jobs available he was able to choose his spot. West coast, good recruiting connections, the Pac 12...the easiest path to success.
I've said it before I believe in the 5 year rule for coaches; if they haven't won it most likely they will not. Worse, with LR he was openly soft, choked - never learned (or wanted to learn) how to step on an opponent's throat, and worst of all: he was comfortable.
I am glad he is gone. My only regret is he is not at LSU so OU doesn't have a yearly chance to show him how to step on a throat. I will credit him; his timing is great. The number of big jobs and move to the SEC worked perfectly for him to sneak off to a cush job.
My lovely wife called it right during the texas game: he is a _ _ _ _ _. My only hope is JC has been aware of this for about 10 days (or longer) to start his work. I have faith in him but this will be the biggest, most important hire of his tenure. I would concentrate on Fickell and Aranda.
With BS being the interim coach , I wonder how he feels. I am sure he wants the best for LR, but I wonder if he is understanding of how it did it. Loyalty is a lost attribute. I am thankful for BS but want a clean break from the OC/head coach, Stoops/Venables tree. Time to hire a coach ready for the SEC and one which holds players accountable, and creates a culture if you ain't first you're last.
As for LR, I will keep my personal opinions and hopes for his future to myself. Trying to maintain what little respect I have left. I will say this...there are plenty of great coaches to takeover this GREAT football program. Boomer Fu@#ing Sooner!
