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Oklahoma Football: Lincoln Riley, 33, taking over for Bob Stoops

By Connor Muldowney

Sep 10, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley speaks to his players prior to action against the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley speaks to his players prior to action against the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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According to Bruce Feldman, Lincoln Riley will be taking over for Bob Stoops, not just as an interim coach, but this is his program.

After 18 years as the Oklahoma football coach, Bob Stoops has announced his retirement from the program on Wednesday. Although it’s not official yet, news has spread like wildfire and sources out of Norman are confirming he’s telling his team on Wednesday.

Moreover, the reasoning behind his sudden retirement is simple. He just wants to go out and live life. He wants to spend time away from the sport and with his family. You can’t knock him for that.

Who will take over for him as the interim head coach on such short notice? No one.

Why no one? Well, there will be no interim label on the next coach as offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley will be taking over the program. He’s just 33 years old, becoming the second-youngest coach to take over at Oklahoma in school history.

Riley was considered one of the best offensive coordinators in the country last season as Oklahoma put up huge numbers on that side of the ball. Baker Mayfield had a big season and the Sooners looked like true College Football Playoff contenders.

Unfortunately, the defense needs major re-tooling. Can Riley be trusted to turn things around on defense?

Related Story: Big 12 Football: 5 teams that can dethrone Oklahoma in 2017

Either way, the Sooners are in good hands, even though they’re extremely young. This now makes him the youngest FBS coach in the country.

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