Lawmaker Proposes Naming 3 Inches Of Panhandle Highway 'Lincoln Riley Highway'

A state lawmaker wishes to "honor" former OU football coach Lincoln Riley after his abrupt departure.

Sen. Bill Coleman, R-Ponca City, requested legislation to name the last three inches of the westbound lane of State Highway 325 in the panhandle "Lincoln Riley Highway."

Under the bill, Coleman said he would pay for the signage.

“I felt the State of Oklahoma needed an appropriate goodbye to this former head coach whose sudden departure left many in shock, including a team of young, dedicated college players. I found the tiniest section of our most desolate of highways to pay tribute to Coach Riley’s exit from Oklahoma football and the state. This is only fitting as this is the last three inches one sees before leaving our great state heading west,” Coleman said. “While we are all free to pursue employment elsewhere, there is a level of professionalism that is expected to be adhered to. From all indications, professionalism was pretty much absent in how this departure was executed.”

The bill request could become law during next session. The session begins on Monday, Feb. 7.