It makes complete sense for the Browns to go after Lincoln Riley right now. Baker Mayfield is the team's quarterback for the future, so why not go after the coach who helped him get to where he is?
Well, because Riley just doesn't want to leave his gig at Oklahoma.
Lincoln Riley has no interest in coaching Browns: 'I love Oklahoma.' https://t.co/Mi15TSWI2p pic.twitter.com/nuaNMdmv3h
— theScore (@theScore) October 29, 2018
Of course, even with this comment by Riley, Cleveland has to do everything it can to convince Riley to join its team. The Browns have to approach Riley and give them the best offer they can possibly muster. Riley's proven to be an offensive mastermind with the Sooners, and has already garnered some NFL interest.
At just 35 years old, Riley would become one of the youngest coaches in the NFL. An explosive hire like Riley from the collegiate level would mirror Cleveland's overall direction as a franchise.
Lincoln Riley has to be Browns first call, right? Make him say no. You’re invested in Baker Mayfield already, get guy who knows him best.
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) October 29, 2018
Riley's reluctance to take the job, however, doesn't come as a surprise. Oklahoma is a team that perennially plays in meaningful bowl games and has a winning tradition. It's hard to leave a successful program, especially when the next destination is known as a laughingstock.
Having the task of trying to turn a franchise around and changing the culture of a team would be unenviable for many.