muleshoe football coach
MULESHOE, Texas -- Magann Rennels has been on the job as a local television newshound for almost four decades. Herald-Times. In 1996, David Wood inherited a Muleshoe program that hadn't posted a winning record in 13 years. Riley is already having huge success recruiting Southern California. 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. "But he was the kind of athlete you wanted running the show. Davis will be Muleshoes defensive coordinator and linebackers coach after previously being at Texico (New Mexico) High School. "Didn't see eye-to-eye with the coach," Mike Riley said. USC sent shock waves through the sports world when it hired Oklahomas Lincoln Riley as its football coach. So when they hear insults hurled his way from Oklahoma, where the pettiness extended this week all the way to the state Senate, they spring quickly to his defense. The older he got is when I was more impressed with him. Patience and a well-timed recruiting pitch helped USC lure Lincoln Riley away from Oklahoma, sending shockwaves through the college football world. The Rennels' house on West 3rd Street is conveniently located just down from Muleshoe High, whose Friday night football games the station videotapes for continuous airings on Saturdays and Sundays. Everyone knows everyone, especially the Muleshoe native whose hiring as OUs coach created shockwaves throughout the college football world. In the beginning, it was because he was the only guy that was around to watch film with me.. Hes well-versed on David Woods success with the Mules, which included a 2008 state championship. But I don't know that I would've gone this way without having the great experience back home.". Riley isn't coaching at the nearby college -- Texas Tech -- long-favored by most of his hometown folks, is an inconvenient truth. It can be backbreaking work. Which brings us to our next topic . That number barely fields a varsity team. BREAKING after two seasons Muleshoe has reassigned HFC/AD Lee Walker, Muleshoe is open #txhsfb @dctf. The rapid rise of Lincoln Riley, from small-town quarterback to one of the most promising football minds in America, is rooted deep in this arid soil. I remember wed be playing football in the yard and hed be drawing up plays and things, his lifelong friend and former Texas Tech roommate, Jeff King, said during a 2015 interview with the Tulsa World. On his 27th birthday, Riley called plays in a thrilling season-opening 51-49 win over Tulsa in 2010. We were on the way to San Antonio and the bowl game and we were obviously thinking we were going to have our normal role at that Alamo Bowl game, said Simmons, who coached wide receivers at the time. Leach took to introducing Riley, then 23, as the youngest full-time major college assistant coach in the country. New USC football coach Lincoln Riley grew up in Muleshoe, Texas. The news first broke on Twitter by Matt Stepp on December 17 and KCBD Sports confirmed on Christmas Eve. High, a West Texas town of 5,000. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Hes the person who has a spare second for those wanting to talk to him during visits home. Maybe even an astronaut. Oklahomas issue during those seasons was its porous defense, but, during the last two years, its offense sputtered (at least living up to its ridiculous standards), as Riley struggled to work his magic on five-star quarterback prospects Spencer Rattler and Caleb Williams Jr. Look, when 10-2 is your down year, youre doing pretty well. Notice something in common about the starting quarterbacks for Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State and Georgia entering this year? 1 overall pick in the NFL draft during back-to-back seasons. It's just that they have their own homegrown hero Oklahoma Sooners head coach Lincoln Riley. to try to lead the Mules out of the desert. 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. Riley is a quarterback whisperer, and Southern California is a five-star quarterback assembly line. But I think its a wonderful move.. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'easternnewmexiconews_com-box-2','ezslot_3',128,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-easternnewmexiconews_com-box-2-0'); 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. Texas Tech coach Mike Leach saw enough in him to recruit him as a walk on, but it wasnt too long during his time in Lubbock before Riley moved into a student assistant role. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. Riley shadowed Leach, a noted night owl, as much as he could. Though Riley had a coach's mind, Wood never saw him going into that profession, thinking that mind might be too good for coaching. Head Girls Track Coach Adrienne Ross. Riley is a Muleshoe native who played quarterback and defensive end for the Mules football team in the late 1990s and early 2000s. CALL. "I think I took things from him and a lot of my coaches. Just like he isnt shocked by the anger in Oklahoma. But it has come at a price. Former Mule Jaxon Lee, an AP all-state first team lineman for the squad, rounds out the new hires as the defensive line coach. As soon as Bob Stoops handpicked Riley to coach the quarterbacks and run the offense at Oklahoma in 2015, Riley began to prove what he had already shown at East Carolina in Conference USA: The guy knows how to motivate and prepare players at footballs most important position. The gridiron, no. He wasnt afraid to change things up, to do things different from what had been done there. In 2018, Kyler Murray, a highly recruited transfer from Texas A&M, stepped in for Mayfield and earned his own Heisman and playoff appearance. "I get back as often as I can," Riley said via cellphone after a morning practice last week in Norman, Okla. "It always will be a special place I carry with me," he said. But he dislocated his throwing shoulder before the start of the season trying to make a tackle during a practice. He was brought up in Muleshoe after all, raised with its good Christian values. Ellis is hoping to change that with plans for a new development on the edge of town, a project he hopes might convince folks fleeing Lubbock, 70 miles to the southeast, to take refuge in small-town living. He was a walk-on quarterback at Texas Tech in the spring and summer of 2003 before starting his coaching career as a student assistant there under head coach Mike Leach for three seasons (2003-05), working with the offense. October 1, 2022, 12:22 AM. I grew up where the wind makes you tougher. Even his childhood mischief has become a part of the town mythos. But it's not as if Riley graduated at the top of his high school class. When he'd watch film he'd just remember defenses and what not. 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. Muleshoe, just 22 miles from the New Mexico border, is home to the National Mule Memorial. The Sooners lost their CFP semifinal to Georgia, 54-48 in double overtime at the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day, but Riley had led them to a 12-2 record 8-1 against Big 12 teams in just his first season as Stoops' replacement. The new coach inherited around two dozen players, barely enough to field a full team, and the program was plagued by a lack of discipline. Great, great people. 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. As soon as the band quit marching, itd just be a few of us, some parents and the coaches wives in the stands, Stacy Conner, pastor at the First Baptist Church and a Riley family friend, jokes. Conventional wisdom might tell you to stay in that, thats what you do, and I certainly think that wouldve turned out just fine. The day he interviewed, Wood recalls, there were three fights in the schools halls. The town would never forget. As impressed as Wood was with his Muleshoe quarterbacks ability on the field, he was just as amazed by his off-the-field work. There was some nervous energy, Riley says. "Everybody loves him. Athletic Director/Head Football Coach Jason Richards. "As long as I could have kids like Lincoln, I knew I could compete.". But growing up, he always knew that he would leave. It would be a challenge, Simmons said, but one that the then-26-year-old coach accepted and conquered. MULESHOE, Texas -- Speaking over the phone Friday morning, new USC football coach Lincoln Riley is discussing his adjustment to Los Angeles so far and laughs when asked about his current living arrangement. How did Lincoln Riley zoom from Muleshoe High School to the Sooners new head coach? Over time, some of the Riley stories from those days have come to drift into tall tales, depending on whos telling them. In a back corner booth at Leals, where cowboy hats line the front walkway and tables are filling ahead of the lunch rush, Bob Graves is still sorting out his emotions over fresh-baked tortilla chips. Muleshoe rolled through four playoff games on their way to the Class 3A state semifinals, including a rare win over Friona that inspired Riley and three teammates the next summer to climb the rival towns water tower and spray paint the winning score, 23-13, for all to see. ".. It's been hectic. With him, that hasnt been forgotten.. One is USC head coach. Upon the completion of his degree in 2012, he was named the running backs coach at Augustana College in Illinois. 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. Watch the latest highlight videos for the Muleshoe Varsity Football team Ive always carried that with me. Muleshoe football, as Riley remembers, was "one of the worst programs in the entire state of Texas for a long time." Mike Riley, Lincoln's father, was a Mules quarterback through some of those down years. Lincoln and I had many thoughts he prepared us that way. Years later, when asked what hed learned from Wood, Riley wouldnt hesitate to draw parallels to the situation he now steps into at USC. Mike Riley, Lincoln's father and a lifelong Muleshoe resident, said he didn't even know his son was interested in coaching until his senior year of high school. I am a Haskell Indian Nations University graduate. But the last 103 years havent been all wins and Roses. "I thought he was more in the realm of NASA or something like that," Wood said. Seemingly overnight, the Ivy League discovered Muleshoe. "One of the greatest assets our town has is its name," Rennels said. Last week's scrimmage against Olton showed the growth the Muleshoe football team has made over the last year. The Sooners coach listens to many different genres. We are very excited after a lengthy process to introduce Jason Richards and his fianc Miss Angela Scott, said Curtis Preston, president of MISD Board of Trustees. He told his assistants, "We've got to keep him around. He was just more of a kid that soaked it all in. "He knew where every kid was supposed to be on every play," the coach said. A humorist and actor and political pundit and newspaper columnist. Richards noted the juniors ability to play wide receiver, running back and quarterback on offense as well as defensive back on defense. All four quarterbacks are in the top five for passing yards in a season. Hes the young man who helped his alma mater install the spread offense, which led the Mules to a 2008 state championship. That will never change.. They say you are raised by a village. He just knew the game. Now that Riley is a head coach, it probably is harder. He had a big following when he was coming through high school. With Rileys help, the Sooners have won back-to-back Big 12 championships, have had two Heisman Trophy finalists in Baker Mayfield and Dede Westbrook, and a College Football Playoff appearance. Davis will be Muleshoe's defensive coordinator and linebackers coach after previously being at Texico (New Mexico) High School. According to the Dallas Morning News, the Mules scored just one touchdown during the entire 1969 season. "A really exciting time," Rennels called the high-adrenaline week that followed Riley's ascension from offensive coordinator. You can also view his personality page at newsok.com/berrytramel. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. And Muleshoe, its a town that backs people from the community. Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley answers a question during a news conference in August. Former Texas Tech coach Mike Leach saw that same attribute in Riley. I just knew there were things I wanted to try to do. Its because he has an exceptional memory a photographic memory. The Wallace Theatre sits on Muleshoes Main Street. Rodriguez, Alan ( Jr.) Lopez, Jaxher ( Jr.) Dominguez, Ryan ( So.) 2023 www.lubbockonline.com. Young kids look up to the varsity kids. He could think on the field unlike anybody else, Wood said. A high school portrait of USC football coach Lincoln Riley hangs on the wall of his parents home in Muleshoe, Texas, on Thursday, June 25, 2015. "Last year's team had a lot of success and that was great. Muleshoe football, as Riley remembers, was one of the worst programs in the entire state of Texas for a long time.. Theres an intense sense of pride. 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. Richards grew up in Clovis, where he was quarterback/defensive back for the high school from 1999-2001. Growing up here, Ellis says, it often felt like you were insulated from the ails of the outside world. Aaron Simon, an Angelo State University graduate whos been coaching with Richards for the past nine years, will be the Mules offensive line and associate head coach, while Portales, New Mexico native Chris Mosier the step-brother of former Mule standout receiver Kyle Atwood was hired as the offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach. For years, Magann's favorite Muletrain story focused on a local who grew tulip bulbs in a cotton field and shipped them to the Netherlands. This article originally ran on July 15, 2017. I certainly wont be afraid to do it here.. Of course, it will be up to Riley to decide if he wants a fresh start with the Trojans quarterback room. Muleshoe, Texas might see it a little differently. David Wood was Riley's high school football coach. Riley also played basketball, baseball and ran track during his youth and high school days, but it was football that piqued his interest. A decade later, Lincoln Riley's new contract at Oklahoma calls for a guaranteed $3.1 million a year for five years. Questions? Never mind that Riley was only 19 years old. The whole town packed into the high school gym that day, glowing as Riley spoke. He has deep roots here. Richards comes to Muleshoe from Flour Bluff High School in Corpus Christi, where he served as offensive coordinator. There are high expectations. 4 min read. The town is quiet on a recent Saturday afternoon as Colt Ellis, Muleshoes 31-year-old mayor, locks up at the family funeral home and leads an out-of-town visitor on a tour in his pick-up truck. He once played quarterback for the Muleshoe. Mike Riley's series of tin-roofed warehouses on the northern fringe of Sudan can feel like ovens in the unforgiving West Texas sun. COURTESY/Riley family. Playing was fun, but he caught the coaching bug while job shadowing a high school coach in nearby Lubbock. Muleshoe Football Coach History Mascot Mules Team Varsity 2022 Colors Black, White Coach N/A Address 514 W Ave G, Muleshoe, TX 79347 Overall 4-1 District 0-0 State (TX) Rank 488. But he happily embraced the familys other enduring legacy in town, as the third of four Rileys to quarterback the Muleshoe Mules. Back then, that was unbelievable.. With a coach of Rileys pedigree now leading the Trojans, the Pac-12 is unquestionably now USCs for the taking in the coming years. From Muleshoe to Clemson, Riley carries on the principles of Mike. Berry Tramel: Berry can be reached at (405) 760-8080 or at btramel@oklahoman.com. 1 overall by the Cleveland Browns in last April's NFL Draft. There are many friendship threads in Rileys small hometown of nearly 6,000. That string of decisions eventually cost Riley any hope he had at playing big-time football. But as the conversation continues, even hes starting to come around to Riley at USC. He's been too busy. Lincoln has a photographic memory, and when I say that, I really mean it., David Wood, Lincoln Rileys football coach at Muleshoe High. 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. When Leach abruptly lost his job before the 2009 season ended, Riley was asked to call plays in the Alamo Bowl against Michigan State by Red Raiders interim head coach Ruffin McNeill. J. Brady McCollough is a sports enterprise reporter for the Los Angeles Times, focusing on national college football and basketball topics. Riley showed the coaches just enough that he was invited to join the team in January. And sometimes he'd double back and explain to me what I was missing.". 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. Lot of ag people. 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. "Muleshoe -- don't you like just hearing it?". Football offered a nice escape. Head Boys Track Coach Aaron Simon. The work was strenuous enough to teach Lincoln Riley the intended lessons about hard work and responsibility but also to convince him he had no interest in inheriting the family business. It didn't take much, however, to get his competitive football juices flowing in Lubbock. 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. 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. That's part of the challenge you look forward to tackling.". Despite Muleshoes noted success, the squad hit a rough patch, winning just six games over the past three years. On a recent late-night broadcast of ESPN's Sports Center, anchor Neil Everett said, "When it comes to college football coaches, there's Nick Saban and there's everyone else.". Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, USC hires Lincoln Riley: Complete coverage of Trojans shocking coaching move, extended this week all the way to the state Senate, Lincoln Riley jetted for USC, and Oklahoma is left to furiously wonder why, Breaking down the USC roster Lincoln Riley inherits, Rileys arrival signifies a triumphant return, USC football coaches: Glory and gaffes, from Gloomy Gus to Lincoln Riley, Roundtable: Our March Madness projections for UCLA, USC and others. We were huge Muleshoe fans.. 877-845-6272. He keeps things pretty close to his sleeve, Garrett says. The following season, Muleshoe went 15-0 and won its only state championship. His youth has been a positive, especially on the recruiting trail. Mike and Marilyn Riley had to settle for the revelry generated in their hometown. 4:13. 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. It was kind of fun to be there at the beginning.". he led the Mules of Muleshoe, a town of . The first quarterback Riley ever coached was none other than USC offensive coordinator Graham Harrell. No one in Muleshoe was more thrilled with Riley as Oklahomas coach than Graves, who served as the voice of Muleshoe football broadcasts and has been a Sooner fan since 1947. Muleshoe residents gather for a livestock auction featuring sheep, hogs and goats. In Muleshoe, no one needs any convincing. But it was no mirage. His exit left him stunned and, he admits, a bit disappointed. But after Riley walked on at Texas Tech, then-Red Raiders coach Mike Leach encouraged him to get off . After coaching for 14 years, the Clovis native got his dream job and was named the Mules head football coach and athletic director in February.