ARLINGTON, Texas — The timing of Lincoln Riley’s formal introduction to Barry Switzer made for a good story at Big 12 Media Days.
Former OU athletic director Donnie Duncan helped set up dinner between Switzer and Riley at Benvenuti’s — the upscale Italian restaurant in downtown Norman — just after Riley was hired as offensive coordinator in January 2015.
OU’s first winter workout was scheduled for 5:30 a.m. the next day, and Riley planned to be there. But first came dinner with Switzer.
“And you don’t tell Barry Switzer no,” Riley said. “We get to the restaurant, we’re having a great dinner.