Analyst Makes Bold Proclamation About Lincoln Riley's Oklahoma Exit: 'Best Thing' Ever

Lincoln Riley, once considered the golden boy of college football, was expected to be the one to lead Oklahoma to a national championship. During his first four years as head coach, Oklahoma won the Big 12 title every season and reached the College Football Playoff three times.

The evidence began to show that his defensive capabilities were not improving, and although his offenses were still good, they were declining. During his first three seasons as head coach, Oklahoma's offense average ranking was 1.7 in offensive yards per game. In his last two seasons, the offense dropped to 14.5.

Then came shocking news shortly after Oklahoma announced its future move to the SEC, Riley decided to leave Oklahoma after the 2021 season and head west to coach the USC Trojans.

The Sooners hired Clemson's defensive coordinator, Brent Venables, to help strengthen the team's roster in preparation for competing in the SEC. Venables' initial focus was on improving the defense, which demonstrated progress by moving up to No. 77 in total defense, a significant improvement from its previous ranking of No. 122 in the first year under Venables' leadership.

That improvement has brought optimism to Norman, Okla. On3's Eddie Radosevich said that Lincoln Riley's departure may have benefitted Oklahoma, as it has helped the Sooners become better equipped to compete in the SEC.

"I think it might be the best thing that ever happened to Oklahoma football," Radosevich said. "Revisionist history, obviously."

Radosevich mentioned that exceptional quarterback performance masked many underlying issues, such as roster management. Now, he believes that the team is much more well-rounded.

The shots at Riley didn't stop there, as Oklahoma's athletic director, Joe Castiglione, appeared to have taken a dig at his former head coach.

"I will tell you without reservation," Castiglione said. "Every coach that we talked to was excited [about the SEC move]. You know what, the ones that weren't aren't here anymore."

It's unclear whether that was a shot at Riley, but Oklahoma seems to have found coaches who want to be at Oklahoma and are excited to compete in the SEC.

Related: Paul Finebaum Reveals If Historic College Football Program Is Ready For The SEC