Mayfield believes OU’s Riley ready for coaching jump to NFL

BEREA, OHIO (AP) >> Baker Mayfield isn’t campaigning for Lincoln Riley.

The rookie quarterback isn’t dismissing the possibility his former coach joins him in Cleveland either.

Mayfield said Wednesday that he believes Riley is prepared to move from Oklahoma into the NFL, but he would also understand if the 35-year-old wants to remain at one of college football’s most successful programs.

“Lincoln’s been ready, it’s just who he is and how he coaches and the respect level he’s had from all of his players, how detailed he is,” Mayfield said. “Yeah, he’s ready but that’s his decision and you know what, he’s got something special there, so I don’t think anybody is going to blame him if he stays there for the next 20 years.”

Riley has been linked as a possible candidate to be Cleveland’s next coach because of his obvious connection with Mayfield, who won the Heisman Trophy last season in Riley’s first year at the Big 12 power.

Mayfield was asked directly if he wants Riley to come to Cleveland.

“I have a relationship with Lincoln,” Mayfield. “He’s been great and we had success, but whatever decision is made here I’m going to make the most of it. Obviously, there’s been a level of comfort with himin the past that I’ve had. But whatever happens, happens. And you know what, you can’t control that so I’m not going to worry about it.”

Mayfield also doesn’t know if Riley is itching to go pro.

“I think down the road probably,” he said. “Right now I’m not going to speak for him, but he’s ready whenever that time comes.”

The Browns fired Hue Jackson in October, and general manager John Dorsey is in the early stages of a coaching search that will accelerate once the season ends. Interim coach Gregg Williams will interview for the job, and it’s likely that Dorsey will meet with former Packers coach Mike McCarthy, who was dismissed after Sunday’s loss to Arizona.