The Cleveland Browns will soon begin searching for a new head coach who can turn Baker Mayfield into a franchise quarterback, and they may look at the man who helped mold Mayfield into a star as a possible candidate.
With Hue Jackson having been fired by the Browns on Monday, the most popular name that is coming up as his potential replacement is Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley.
And yes, @LincolnRiley is viable in Cleveland. Another college name I'd keep a close eye on: Iowa State coach Matt Campbell. Highly regarded in the circles that GM John Dorsey runs in, and a native of Northeast Ohio.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) October 29, 2018
Before Jackson was fired, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network explained why Riley is among the names to watch when head coaching vacancies start popping up.
“Riley has impressed NFL scouts who come through the school, particularly with the way he developed current Browns QB Baker Mayfield,” Pelissero wrote. “He’s an offensive guru, and the modern NFL is a points race. My understanding is that Riley would listen if an NFL team calls and be intrigued by the idea of testing his approach at the next level.”
What Sean McVay has been able to do in a short time with the Los Angeles Rams has paved the way for younger, offensive-minded coaches. Riley certainly falls under that category, and he led Oklahoma to the Rose Bowl in his first season as head coach last year and has them in contention for a College Football Playoff spot again this season.
As you can see with the way he has defended Mayfield even recently, Riley and the No. 1 overall pick maintain a great relationship. If the Browns consider him head coaching material, the fit makes plenty of sense.
