Ian Rapoport of NFL Media confirms that the Cowboys will not fire HC Jason Garrett midseason, but says his future with the team is “very much in doubt.”
According to Rapoport, Oklahoma HC Lincoln Riley is a name to watch for the Cowboys as a potential replacement for Garrett.
Rapoport explains that the Jones family already has a “close” relationship with Riley, which centers around the recruitment of Jerry Jones‘ grandson, John Stephen Jones, who was a highly touted quarterback coming out of high school. Rapoport mentions that Riley had an in-home visit with the family that showed them how brilliant he is as a head coach. Riley later hosted John Stephen Jones for a visit to Oklahoma before he committed to Arkansas.
Riley loves being at Oklahoma but a source close to him tells Rapoport: “It’s the Cowboys.”
Last year, Riley was a hot head coaching candidate before he agreed to remain at Oklahoma. Reports and rumors have linked him to the Cowboys for well over a year now, so it’s not surprising to hear that this is a situation to watch now that Garrett’s job is clearly in jeopardy.
Riley, 36, began his coaching career as an assistant at Texas Tech back in 2003. He worked his way up to WRs coach before departing to become the offensive coordinator at East Carolina.
Riley joined the Oklahoma staff in 2015 as their offensive coordinator/QBs coach before taking over as head coach for Bob Stoops in 2017.
For his career, Riley has led the Sooners to a record of 35-5, but has yet to win a Bowl game.
Looking for the latest NFL Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow NFL Trade Rumors on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NFL News and Rumors for all 32 teams!
