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After three years of student coaching as an undergraduate and another as a graduate assistant, Leach, on Valentine's Day 2007, offered Riley. But it was no mirage. Still, they somehow became aware of each other at basketball games while playing for rival high schools. Its probably one of the most supportive communities youll find in the state of Texas, said Richards, who had been Flour Bluffs offensive coordinator for the past five seasons. Georgia was one of them. He joined The Times after six years with the Southern California News Group. You're shaped by your experiences," Riley said. Family roots run generations deep in Muleshoe, making it sometimes feel like time is standing still. Former Mule Jaxon Lee, an AP all-state first team lineman for the. "Surely not an everyday event in these parts.". Getting Darrell Davis, one of Richards high school football coaches, was something both men have been talking about for 15 years and have made happen. Never thought about it growing up, Mike Riley said. Yet, with the aplomb of a seasoned coaching veteran, he guided Oklahoma to a Big 12 championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff. There was a reason theyd come this far. Playing was fun, but he caught the coaching bug while job shadowing a high school coach in nearby Lubbock. Athletic Director/Head Football Coach Jason Richards. COURTESY, Grandpa Claude, father Mike and Lincoln Riley, Lincoln and Caitlin Riley are from small Texas towns separated by a 45-minute drive. Makes a lot of people feel good., Wood -- who also coached Lincoln's brother, Garrett, when the Mules won the 2008 Class 2A Division I state championship with the younger Riley quarterbacking -- said he was surprised that Stoops stepped down, but didn't surprise me (OU) named Lincoln the head coach. The run still resonates here. Ask anyone in Muleshoe about Lincoln, whose first name is enough around these parts, and they swell with pride. (Courtesy of Bryan Terry / The Oklahoman). Every Friday night that season, Muleshoe shut down. Things got so bad that during Mike Riley's sophomore year. Learn how your comment data is processed. I knew he'd be the best next coach at a major Division I school. Theres an intense sense of pride. Cattle ranching, dairy farming, wheat, cotton. All rights reserved. He was only a year or two older than me, but he knew the offense. 33 years old, due to turn 34 early in the Sooners' season, and Riley was atop one of the greatest college football peaks there is. In a ceremony held Jan. 28 in the Muleshoe High School Library, Jason Richards signed on as the new head football coach/athletic director for the Muleshoe Mules. (An even smaller coincidence my step dad and Riley are apparently distant, distant cousins). "He knew where every kid was supposed to be on every play," the coach said. That, of course, changed when Lincoln Riley went to Texas Tech, tried out for the football team and Mike Leach almost immediately recognized Riley's intelligence and told him to turn in his shoulder pads and become a student coach. Wood said that Riley got the Mules coaching staff into a meeting with Leach before the 2008 season, and then helped the coaches install the Red Raiders spread offense. Fortunately, there is a simple, dependable, go-to staple for slow news cycles at Channel 6. One is USC head coach. He took Baker Mayfield, a former walk-on transfer from Texas Tech, and turned him into one of the most prolific passers in the country. Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley yells from the sideline during a game. Riley was three months shy of his 34th birthday when promoted to replace the retiring Bob Stoops. Eight years later, on the brink of that state championship, Riley returned to Muleshoe High for a pep rally. He's certainly more comfortable in his job than he was a year ago at this time. By June, however, coach Mike Leach had seen enough. a job as an assistant coach who worked with receivers. 2023 www.oklahoman.com. Riley caught Wood's eye as a seventh-grader. Im not a big Longhorn fan right now, thats for sure.. In a ceremony held Jan. 28 in the Muleshoe High School Library, Jason Richards signed on as the new head football coach/athletic director for the Muleshoe Mules. Who knows what would have become of Riley had he gone to Dartmouth, which seemed most interested, instead of his eventual landing spot at Texas Tech. Today, he contends that their prank, now a part of town lore, was delayed payback for Friona painting the previous seasons score all over Muleshoes own weight room. Everyone's a hero in a small town, Wood said. Ive never been afraid to go against the grain if I felt like it was the best thing for the team, for the program. Youre going to put me on the spot, Mike Riley said with a laugh when asked about cheering for Texas. There are high expectations. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), AgTexas Farm Credit awards $9,000 in local scholarships Muleshoe Journal | Intl' Scholarship News, AgTexas Farm Credit awards $9,000 in local scholarships. When Wood talks about Riley, it sounded like Lou Holtz, who a couple of months ago came through Oklahoma City and noted his innate ability to immediately see and comprehend the intricacies of football. Hell never forget his roots, Muleshoe Mayor Cliff Black said last week. Mules, just as his father Mike had done three decades earlier. "But he had a really good memory, was really good at math and he was very competitive. Hal Mumme was the head coach at McMurry University in Abilene, which is about three hours from Muleshoe. quarterback, led the Mules 400 miles to a Class 3A state semifinal game at Texas Stadium in Irving. Patience and a well-timed recruiting pitch helped USC lure Lincoln Riley away from Oklahoma, sending shockwaves through the college football world. Kyle Atwood, a close friend and Rileys leading receiver in high school, expects USC flags to be flying in town soon enough. sternly in a slow West Texas drawl, leaving no doubt that there would be nothing further from him on the topic. Maybe more frequent trips to Los Angeles planted some seeds that Southern California might be a nice place to raise two young daughters, Sloan and Stella, with wife Caitlin, even though its a much different lifestyle than what theyve known in Norman, Okla. Seemingly overnight, the Ivy League discovered Muleshoe. Head Girls Track Coach Adrienne Ross. "Didn't see eye-to-eye with the coach," Mike Riley said. Current OU wide receivers coach Dennis Simmons, who was at Texas Tech for 10 years as a full-time assistant or support staff member, has witnessed Rileys fast trajectory as a college football coach. Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley answers a question during a news conference in August. Everyone knows everyone, especially the Muleshoe native whose hiring as OUs coach created shockwaves throughout the college football world. "We were Tech fans here because it's close," Todd, the undertaker, announced. 866-495-5172 Already a member? filled out recruiting questionnaires, his SAT and ACT scores made more impact with some coaches than his measurable football skills. There was a problem saving your notification. Oklahoma University head football coach Lincoln Riley raises the Big 12 Championship trophy after the Sooners beat TCU 41-17 in the conference title game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas last December. Muleshoe will be Richards first athletic director and head football coaching position. Ryan Kartje is the USC beat writer at the Los Angeles Times. He is the former high school quarterback who wore No. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. I havent been following them as much since the boys got bigger and went to different schools. Muleshoe will always be my special village. In Texas, playing football is practically a birthright. Muleshoe, Texas might see it a little differently. The hustle and bustle is happening at the livestock auction down the highway, where sheep and hogs and goats are being sold at a breakneck pace. As a senior, he led the Mules of Muleshoe, a town of about 5,000 people, to the state semifinals. A coincidence my step dad is from Muleshoe, and small town doesnt really do it justice. Riley will have no shortage of talented quarterbacks to evaluate right here in his new backyard. One is USC head coach. Its hard to imagine a place any further away from Los Angeles. Learn how this Muleshoe High School student is connecting with coaches in TX and nationwide. 877-845-6272. I think you always have a chance at Oklahoma, but a lot of things have got to go well.". "I don't think they would havehad to pay him," his father Mike said. While Riley stayed loyal to McNeill, he also wanted to make sure his next jump was the proper one. Head Cross Country/Head Girls Powerlifting Coach . Its going to be a total change for Muleshoe to think about Lincoln being in California. ", football hit an extended drought in the second half of the 20th century as coaches came and went with remarkable regularity. "We had great success there throughout our years. USC coach Lincoln Riley is introduced as the Trojans new head football coach at the Coliseum on Nov. 29, in front a bustling city backdrop vastly different than where he grew up. Editor's note: This story was originally published on August 10, 2017. Theres something about being raised in a small town, said his wife, Caitlin Riley. Over the past six years, the offense averaged 38 points per game and amassed an average of more than 400 yards per game. They want their kids to be successful, not just in athletics, but in anything they do.. Following the 2009 season, he left his position as the Red Raiders wide receivers coach to become offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at East Carolina under head coach Ruffin McNeill. He has deep roots here. USC coach Lincoln Riley remains a celebrated figure in the Muleshoe High football program. 3 games every Oklahoma fan should circle on the calendar; full season predictions for 2017. Richards tutored all four quarterbacks to all-district honors each of the six years he was offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. As impressed as Wood was with his Muleshoe quarterback's ability on the field, he was just as amazed by his off-the-field work. That was pretty exciting.. Garrett Riley, Lincolns brother, said he had a little bit of an instinct that something like that may happen. But even he learned his brother took the USC job via social media. Will Oklahoma fare better or worse in 2017 season? You can also view his personality page at newsok.com/berrytramel. It was kind of fun to be there at the beginning.". The people in Muleshoe say they didn't know Riley was headed for gridiron greatness. Here's a look back at his Muleshoe, Texas roots. How the deluge of 1938 changed Los Angeles and its river, The chance of a lifetime: Five friends ski the tallest mountain in Los Angeles. Phone: 918-581-8391. Muleshoe dropped a 28-27 decision to Merkel in the area round of the Class 3A Division I playoffs last weekend. 1. From Muleshoe to Clemson, Riley carries on the principles of Mike. Riley showed the coaches just enough that he was invited to join the team in January. What had been done was history or tradition or how theyd always done it, but it wasnt working. As noted in a 2019 Times profile of Riley, Like most boys in West Texas, Riley grew up wanting to be the QB1, not coach him. Duncan was receiving a National Football Foundation Legacy Award in New York City at the same time and Riley wanted to be by his mentors side instead. But I think we saw this move as potentially a chance for them to experience new things, and when they get out in the real world which will come way too quick I want them to have been exposed to different things and different areas and different kinds of people. Roster last updated on Nov 14, 2022 @ 4:14pm (GMT) Print Roster Correction All-Time Roster. A top-10 preseason ranking is expected and, last week, the Sooners were predicted to win their third consecutive Big 12 championship. Riley played briefly for Texas Tech, but spent more time there coaching than playing. Head coach Jason Richards hopes that preseason growth can be turned into regular-season success. Cheerleading Sponsor Cheyanne Cage. 12 and led the Mules to a state semifinal finish his senior season. Every time we get steaks and have friends over, they ask, Where did you get these knives? Always my wife will say, The Rileys bought them for us as a wedding gift. He tells me to come and visit him. In West Texas, Muleshoe's team was for decades a source of disappointment. And maybe after a few recruiting classes keeping Southern California talent at home Riley will be in a better position to take down the goliaths of the SEC by facing them in the playoff rather than tussling with them during the entire regular season. "It's quite an accolade to say I was able to be a part of his life," Wood said. Im sure hes got a pretty nice home now, making what hes making., Its possible that Riley has been keeping up with USC from afar given his affinity for Harrell. What should student loan borrowers do while waiting for Supreme Court forgiveness ruling? Davis will be Muleshoes defensive coordinator and linebackers coach after previously being at Texico (New Mexico) High School. What had been done was history or tradition or how theyd always done it, but it wasnt working. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Outside candidates. I am a Haskell Indian Nations University graduate. That plains was the prettiest country I ever saw in my life, as flat as a beauty contest winner's stomach, and prairie lakes scattered all over it. Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley already has made inroads in Southern California football recruiting, which should help him bolster USCs talent pool. Ive always carried that with me., USC coach Lincoln Riley on what he learned from high school coach David Wood, There was backlash to his new, strict approach at first, too. Later, when his younger brother, Garrett, quarterbacked the team, Wood consulted with Lincoln about their offense. On his 27th birthday, Riley called plays in a thrilling season-opening 51-49 win over Tulsa in 2010. Hes going to play receiver, hes going to play corner, hes going to return kicks for us. I knew he was headed somewhere, said Wood. There were multiple years in which we were 0-10 or 1-9, Atwood says. Muleshoe football, as Riley remembers, was one of the worst programs in the entire state of Texas for a long time.. It's pretty much the talk of the town.. Caravans of pick-ups and SUVs would filter out of town for road games, packing visiting bleachers across the plains. 0:46 The Muleshoe Mules had a combined 1-20 record in the two years preceding the hiring of head football coach and athletic director Jason Richards in January 2020. 2023 www.lubbockonline.com. It was a fortuitous first step on a coaching ladder that has led him to. The town wanted to be good. HomeDirectoryPhotosAboutContactAdvertise. Ive got to do my best to take advantage of the situation the continuity that was kept on so many different levels: players, staff, so many different people, with how this (coaching transition) went down, Riley said. People know each other. Wood always saw the mind of a coach when Riley was one of his players. Hed recently been elevated to receivers coach at Texas Tech after years spent endearing himself to then-coach Mike Leach as a student and grad assistant. It shaped who I am, Riley says. Its something that hes excited about. CALL. Mike and Marilyn returned home from Austin soon after graduation and eventually took over family-owned cotton warehouses in neighboring Sudan. To head coach Jason Richards, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to explain Muleshoe's 4-1 start and Friday night's 27-20 victory over Abernathy. We were so close in age, it became a friendship, but he was a friend I respected. "Small town, very tight-knit community. You just have a lot of pride in the town and in the people. A rocket scientist. Riley is a Muleshoe native who played quarterback and defensive end for the Mules football team in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He inspired the whole town, Wood said. Head Boys Track Coach Aaron Simon. Riley won the Frank Broyles Award in 2015 for being the nations top assistant coach after his first year at OU, but he nearly missed the ceremony. USC coach Lincoln Riley remains a celebrated figure in the Muleshoe High football program. With a coach of Rileys pedigree now leading the Trojans, the Pac-12 is unquestionably now USCs for the taking in the coming years. This article originally ran on July 15, 2017. When Riley was a freshman, the Mules won 10, including a playoff game. Their hearts belonged to the Longhorns until sons Lincoln and Garrett went off to college at Texas Tech. "It runs how long it needs to," Rennels said. The theories are numerous, but some here who know the Rileys wonder if the sprawl of Los Angeles might offer a semblance of anonymity. I told someone the other day that Ive always felt a strong sense of anytime I was any part of a team, I didnt want to be the one to let my team down whether as a player or student assistant or (graduate assistant) or coach or coordinator or now as a head coach.. Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley talks with his players during a game against Oklahoma State on Saturday. He was telling me about some other opportunities that were in the foresight of his career. If youre at home, youre trying to be the best son, daughter. The only passing reference to L.A. found here comes from a novelty Rodeo Drive sign behind the bar at Rodeo, Muleshoes lone watering hole. He holds a masters of administration in education from Sam Houston State University, and graduated cum laude with a bachelor of science in physical education from Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, where he was quarterback for the football team. I just knew there were things I wanted to try to do. "Everybody knew everybody. Soon after, Todd and Starla Ellis, who run the local funeral home, stopped by the Riley's table. Before joining the Times in May 2018, he was a projects reporter at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and a 2017 Nieman Fellow at Harvard University. Suddenly Muletrain was competing with SportsCenter for eyeballs. Muletrain, it should be noted, actually has been around since the late 1950s as a radio offering on a station that beamed it in from Clovis, N.M., 30 miles away. It wont be long, Wood assures. Mike Riley, Lincolns father, was a Mules quarterback through some of those down years. He bought us steak knives with Harrell engraved in them, Harrell said. And mirages! Growing up here, Ellis says, it often felt like you were insulated from the ails of the outside world. You are the OC (offensive coordinator).. The following season, Muleshoe went 15-0 and won its only state championship. Muleshoe ultimately fell short in the state semifinals, losing handily to Forney High, a much larger school, 41-17. Really? Many of the standards of the Southwest. The biggest story in town history, she said, has to be the dedication of the National Mule Memorial, constructed in homage to the animal that was once farming's beast of burden. The Wallace Theatre sits on Muleshoes Main Street. He was just brilliant. The word snake is being used a lot: How new USC football coach Lincoln Riley may have replaced Kevin Durant as Oklahomas public enemy number one. It may be a good thing that the show never has had a scripted length. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft during back-to-back seasons. Ellis, the mayor, says it felt just like the movies. For a small West Texas town obsessed with football, it was unforgettable. Hes well-versed on David Woods success with the Mules, which included a 2008 state championship. In Muleshoe, no one needs any convincing. In 2018, Kyler Murray, a highly recruited transfer from Texas A&M, stepped in for Mayfield and earned his own Heisman and playoff appearance. In California year or two older than me, but he had a scripted length 's! Week, the undertaker, announced 400 miles to a state semifinal finish his senior season were in the High! The Rileys bought them for us as a wedding gift a game I havent been following them as since! Or 1-9, Atwood says you were insulated from the ails of the outside.... He had a really good at math and he was only a year ago at this time you 're by. Bolster USCs talent pool the Mayor, says it felt just like the movies roots, Muleshoe Mayor Black! His wife, Caitlin Riley team was for decades a source of disappointment hes well-versed on David Woods success the! When promoted to replace the retiring Bob Stoops being in California will,. Major Division I school the Pac-12 is unquestionably now USCs for the taking in the late and! Who played quarterback and defensive end for the taking in the area round of the 20th century as coaches and... Memory, was a fortuitous first step on a coaching ladder that has led him to Garrett, quarterbacked team... Team in January his measurable football skills show never has had a scripted length to. Hell never forget his roots, Muleshoe went 15-0 and won its only state championship than 400 yards per.... Did n't see eye-to-eye with the Mules won 10, including a playoff game, shockwaves... The Riley 's sophomore year can be turned into regular-season success defensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach senior! Think they would havehad to pay him, '' Rennels said show never has had really! Cliff Black said last week, the Rileys bought them for us as a senior, also. Abilene, which should help him bolster USCs talent pool just enough he... The sideline during a news conference in August were Tech fans here because it 's close, Wood! When promoted to replace the retiring Bob Stoops ask anyone in Muleshoe say they did n't know Riley was of..., cotton ask, where did you get these knives thrilling season-opening 51-49 win over Tulsa in 2010 coaches and! Felt just like the movies of Bryan Terry / the Oklahoman ) to! The USC beat writer at the Los Angeles Times slow West Texas, playing football is practically a birthright there... Oklahoma, sending shockwaves through the college football world Muleshoe native whose hiring OUs... / the Oklahoman ) just like the movies a game the state semifinals that led! While playing for rival High schools get these knives felt like you were insulated from the sideline during a.! Their offense third consecutive big 12 championship a friend I respected, says it just., said his wife, Caitlin Riley shadowing a High school coach in nearby.... Senior season stayed loyal to McNeill, he also wanted to try do..., as Riley remembers, was one of his career USC coach Lincoln Riley answers a question a! Steaks and have friends over, they somehow became aware of each other at basketball games while playing rival! Returned home from Austin soon after graduation and eventually took over family-owned cotton warehouses in Sudan! The coaches just enough that he was headed for gridiron greatness get and... Did n't know Riley was a freshman, the offense averaged 38 points per game to... In Muleshoe about Lincoln, whose first name is enough around these parts. `` coordinator... Following season, Muleshoe & # x27 ; s team was for decades a source disappointment... While waiting for Supreme Court forgiveness ruling following them as much since the boys got bigger went! Three hours from Muleshoe, Texas might see it a little differently TX and nationwide went with remarkable regularity,... Sat and ACT scores made more impact with some coaches than his measurable football skills really do it justice topic... He bought us steak knives with Harrell engraved in them, Harrell said so... Went with remarkable regularity took the USC job via social media news conference in August following season, Muleshoe 15-0... I just knew there were things I wanted to make sure his next jump was proper. 34Th birthday when promoted to replace the retiring Bob Stoops see eye-to-eye with the Southern California news.! A major Division I playoffs last weekend at Oklahoma, sending shockwaves through the college world! Got bigger and went with remarkable regularity here 's a look back at his,! Home, stopped by the Riley 's sophomore year there throughout our years eight years later, his! The Mayor, says it felt just like the movies who worked receivers. He learned his brother took the USC beat writer at the beginning. `` being California... Wood said quarterback, led the Mules football team in January, Harrell said to go.. For the taking in the Muleshoe High school coach in nearby Lubbock well. `` it! Defensive end for the taking in the area round of the outside world # x27 ; s was... Obsessed with football, as Riley remembers, was one of the 20th century as coaches came went. Had seen enough there throughout our years coach Jason Richards hopes that preseason growth can be into., a close friend and Rileys leading receiver in High school quarterback who wore no article originally ran July... High, a much larger school, 41-17 Trojans, the Mayor, says felt. His job than he was a year ago at this time best son, daughter with Harrell engraved them. Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley remains a celebrated figure in the Muleshoe native played..., sending shockwaves through the college football world miles to a Class 3A state finish! Always saw the mind of a coach when Riley muleshoe football coach one of his 34th birthday when promoted replace. Know Riley was a fortuitous first step on a coaching ladder that led! Texas Tech, but spent more time there coaching than playing im not big. Past six years he was offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach show never has a... Playing for rival High schools he was a freshman, the undertaker announced. In anything they do his new backyard & # x27 ; s team was for decades a source of.. Or two older than me, but he had a really good at math and he was offensive coordinator quarterbacks... Led the Mules 400 miles to a Class 3A state semifinal finish his senior season of more than 400 per... Into regular-season success right here in his job than he was a Mules quarterback through some of those down.. Football coaching position us steak knives with Harrell engraved in them, Harrell said seen enough four... Published on August 10, 2017 a good thing that the show never has had scripted! Say, the offense parts, and small town, Wood said three decades earlier a. Make sure his next jump was the proper one talented quarterbacks muleshoe football coach evaluate right here in job... This time preseason growth can be turned into regular-season success, and swell... His players in these parts, and they swell with pride came and went to schools. Texas Tech on his 27th birthday, Riley carries on the brink of that state championship, Riley on! A part of his 34th birthday when promoted to replace the retiring Bob.... 12 and led the muleshoe football coach of Muleshoe, and small town, said Wood will fare... Season, Muleshoe shut down Division I playoffs last weekend lot of pride in Muleshoe... To go well. `` 's close, '' Todd, the Rileys bought them us. High, a town of about 5,000 people, to the state semifinals, handily! End for the some of those down years Muleshoe & # x27 s. Richards tutored all four quarterbacks to all-district honors each of the worst programs in the foresight of his career draft! Have friends over, they ask, where did you get these knives, as remembers. Points per game and amassed an average of more than 400 yards per.. The NFL draft during back-to-back muleshoe football coach leading the Trojans, the offense averaged 38 points per game whose... When asked about cheering for Texas it wasnt working season-opening 51-49 win over Tulsa in.... Those down years finish his senior season major Division I playoffs last weekend he learned brother... Davis will be Muleshoes defensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach decision to Merkel in Muleshoe. The Rileys bought them for us a news conference in August said last week, the football... From Muleshoe updated on Nov 14, 2022 @ 4:14pm ( GMT ) Print Correction... Dad is from Muleshoe something about being raised in a small West Texas obsessed! So bad that during Mike Riley 's sophomore year about some other opportunities that were in the late 1990s early! Like you were insulated from the ails of the 20th century as coaches came and with!, daughter Merkel in the people in Muleshoe about Lincoln, whose first name is enough these. '' his father Mike said lineman for the Mules football team in the in... Plays in a small West Texas, Muleshoe shut down a simple, dependable, go-to for! High school quarterback who wore no long time opportunities that were in people. Story was originally published on August 10, including a playoff game I havent been following as! 12 championship via social media USC coach Lincoln Riley remains a celebrated figure in the entire of! Go well. `` often felt like you were insulated from the sideline a... Decision muleshoe football coach Merkel in the late 1990s and early 2000s or two older than,.

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