As is quickly becoming a trend amongst members of the media in Oklahoma, breaking news is once again being confirmed before it’s announced by the university. This go around, it’s Carey Murdock of Sooner Scoop delivering confirmation of a coaching hire.
Can confirm Lincoln Riley will hire Ruffin McNeill as a defensive line coach. Will share DL duties with Calvin Thibodeaux.
— Carey Murdock (@CareyAMurdock) June 14, 2017
Bringing on Ruffin McNeill from the University of Virginia, the Oklahoma Sooners bolster the defensive coaching staff. According to the report, McNeill, an assistant head coach at Virginia, will share duties with defensive line coach Calvin Thibodeaux. However, there’s speculation that McNeill could be tabbed as a co-defensive coordinator once joining the staff.
Sharing some history, Riley sat under then head coach McNeill while serving as the offensive coordinator at East Carolina. Knowing what the coach is capable of first hand, McNeill also shares a connection dating back to the Texas Tech days of Riley. In a short stay at the DC, McNeill helped a Texas Tech Red Raider defense improve greatly in 2008. Jumping up from the bottom of the barrel in the Big 12, TTU ranked first in pass defense and total defense during McNeill’s tenure.