New Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley says Bob Stoops stays ready to help in any way he can

FRISCO, Texas — In the five weeks since he was named Oklahoma’s head coach, Lincoln Riley has talked several times with his predecessor. Bob Stoops, now a special assistant to the athletic director, is still around.

“We’ve talked a few times,” Riley said Monday at Big 12 media days, “when I can catch him off the golf course. … He might have been happier about missing this than anything (else) about the job.”

In a text message, Stoops insisted he “never minded (media days) all that much but golf course is better.” And he confirmed that’s exactly where he was.

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During an interview from the main stage and then a 90-minute breakout session afterward, Riley answered plenty of questions centered on replacing Stoops, including what advice he’d been getting from the coach after his surprise retirement last month.

“Everything will probably be sporadic throughout the year,” Riley said. “But I know he’s there and he wants to help in any way we need him. I would be crazy not to use that resource.”