Oklahoma Football: 3 coaching candidates to replace Lincoln Riley

1. Luke Fickell, Cincinnati HC

Luke Fickell has to be the first call for Oklahoma, assuming that Bob Stoops says no to a return.

Fickell is arguably the top name in the coaching carousel right now, and for good reason. He just led Cincinnati to a 12-0 regular season and if the Bearcats win the AAC title game against Houston this week, they will likely lock up a playoff berth, making them the first Group of Five team to ever make the field.

If he can make a playoff run at Cincinnati, just imagine what kind of success he could do with the resources and support at Oklahoma. He would have upgraded facilities, more money to spend on assistants, and a recruiting boost. He would absolutely win titles at Oklahoma.

The inevitable move to the SEC for Fickell (if he takes the job) might be daunting, however. I think he’s good enough to succeed in the SEC, but if there’s one thing that may hold him back, it would be that massive jump from the AAC.

Fickell is 43-6 over the last four seasons and he should absolutely be the top candidate for the job and we’re going to hear him mentioned in the same breath as the Sooners until the search is over.