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OU football: Lincoln Riley and Ruffin McNeill have formed lasting partnership

NORMAN — Lincoln Riley and Ruffin McNeill's relationship can't be reduced to one label.

The 35-year-old Oklahoma coach joked that McNeill, 60, is his grandfather.

Best friends, OU linebacker Kenneth Murray said.

Caitlin Riley worked through a slew of titles that didn't quite fit.

“Grandfather is too much,” she said. “I don't know, just an older mentor. Not an older brother. Not a father. Just a special figure.”

Erlene McNeill spoke for everyone, calling it a relationship that's “hard to describe.”

But Ruffin McNeill was quick to answer.

“He's boss, No. 1,” McNeill said.