Eichorst names eager beaver Mike Riley as Huskers Head Coach

Sep 20, 2014; Corvallis, OR, USA; Oregon State Beavers head coach Mike Riley laughs during an interview after the game against the San Diego State Aztecs at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Susan Ragan-USA TODAY Sports

His Oregon State bio says he’s the “best guy in college football.” Let’s hope so. Mike Riley was born in Wallace, Idaho. He’s 61 years old. He’s married to Dee and has two children: Matthew & Kate.

Riley went to high school in Corvallis where he was a QB and played in state title games in 69 & 70. He played college ball at Alabama as a defensive back. He graduated with a Bachelor’s of Social Science from Alabama. He has a Master’s in physical education from Whitworth College in Spokane, Washington he obtained while he was coaching.

Player education is important to him as the Beavers listed 70 academic achievements during his coaching career there. That will go over well here in the heartland where we have LOTS of Academic All-Americans.

Riley has pro ties from coaching with the Saints in 2002 and the Chargers from 1999-2001. This could factor well with recruits. He moved back to Corvallis in 2003 to be the head coach of the Beavers. Back then his contract was a 7 year deal beginning at $625,000 and increasing to $950,000. Riley most recently had a 3 year extension at OSU through the 2019 season.

He has the most wins ever at Oregon State at 88. He has coached 32 All-American players. He was the longest tenured coach in the Pac-12.

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From my quick read on this guy (because this name came out of NOWHERE) he has been impressive with what he did at Oregon State. He took a team that was overlooked in the conference to one that was winning. Well, up until recently that is… That does cause me concern. 2006 he was 10-4. 2011 he was 3-9 although in 2012 he was 9-4. The last two years he was 7-6 and 5-7 respectively. It’s going to be interesting to see the updates on who he brings with him as assistants. And what about his longevity given his age….

Regardless we can all finally quit speculating.  GO BIG RED!