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New York Jets: 8 Best replacements for Todd Bowles

By Michael Pallas

Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images /
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NORMAN, OK – SEPTEMBER 08: Head coach Lincoln Riley of the Oklahoma Sooners watches warm ups before the game against the UCLA Bruins at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners defeated the Bruins 49-21. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images)
NORMAN, OK – SEPTEMBER 08: Head coach Lincoln Riley of the Oklahoma Sooners watches warm ups before the game against the UCLA Bruins at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners defeated the Bruins 49-21. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) /

3. Lincoln Riley, Head Coach, Oklahoma

In the past, the reason why many coaches who go straight from college to the pros with no NFL coaching experience flame out is because of the vast difference in the college to the pro game. However, with the rule changes in the NFL, it actually makes more sense for a top college head coach with a strong offensive background — like Lincoln Riley — to go directly to the NFL.

The NFL has adapted to the new rule changes, and while it’s not a mirror image of the college game, more coaches are implementing more elements of college offenses into their game plans week in and week out. The NFL now has more variety than ever, and a college head coach jumping directly to the pros may start to make more sense.

The Sooners began play in 1895, and Riley is their 22nd head coach. He’s already ninth in program history in wins, and his offense has produced as many Heisman winners (2) as Bob Stoops did in 18 years.

He clearly has the mind for offense, and that’s precisely what the Jets need right now. It’s still a risk to take a guy with no NFL coaching experience, but if it results in a Super Bowl, the reward is worth the risk.

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