Fifteen Questions Thursday, March 28, 2013 By W.A. Myatt

Fifteen Questions for Lincoln Riley

By W.A. Myatt
©2013 Bonesville.net
All rights reserved.

Lincoln Riley has been the architect of the "Air Raid" offense at East Carolina, an attack that has produced some big numbers since his arrival from Texas Tech after the 2009 season. Riley was just 26 years old when he came to ECU as offensive coordinator. He had one game in that position at Texas Tech, a 41-31 win over Michigan State in the Alamo Bowl with Ruffin McNeill serving as interim head coach of the Red Raiders.

Riley was a participant in the program at Texas Tech as a quarterback after three years as a letterwinner at Muleshoe High School in Muleshoe, TX. Riley enjoys vacationing with his family in the southern Rockies.

Article continues after the following picture.

Lincoln Riley gets ready for the start of East Carolina's game at Southern Miss last season.
(Al Myatt photo)

Riley took time to talk after practice Wednesday afternoon.

Q: Q: Favorite restaurant in Greenville?

A: Wasabi 88. Hands down, not even close.

Q: Favorite television show?

A: Either Entourage or 24.

Q: How did you meet your wife?

A: In high school.

Q: How does life in Muleshoe compare to Greenville?

A: Well, similar small town people. The scenery is a lot different though.

Q: What was the highlight of your playing career?

A: Probably playing the state semi-finals in Texas Stadium, where the (Dallas) Cowboys played.

Q: What was your first experience as an offensive coordinator like in the Alamo Bowl?

A: It was a good one. It was a little unexpected, maybe not the situation I'd dreamed of - but it was a good one. A great win and a great way to get started calling plays.

Q: How did Shane Carden better himself this offseason?

A: He's become more of a leader, a bigger presence back there. There's a lot of ways he can improve, becoming more comfortable with the offense. I could list those all day, but I think he's driven to get that done.

Q: What do you think about the run the East Carolina men's basketball team is making in the CIT tournament, and have you been to any of their games?

A: I have! I've been to a couple and watched them — I love it. Our girls and boys have both had great seasons — that's what we want. We don't want just one good team around here, we want to have a great athletic program, and, man, it's been fun to watch both our men and women's teams this year.

Q: What's your favorite thing about your job?

A: That I don't have to wear a suit to work everyday and I get to do something that's fun — while getting paid for it.

Q: What can fans expect from the East Carolina offense this year?

A: Hopefully, a lot of points and a lot of wins. We're going to give it everything we have. We're going to try to score every time we touch the ball.

Q: What hobbies do you have outside of football?

A: I like to play golf, like to water-ski and hang out with my family.

Q: How has the birth of your daughter changed your life?

A: It's changed my perspective completely. The bad days aren't quite as bad. I think it's made me look at things with more of a positive outlook, and understand what's really important.

Q: What's the toughest defense you've faced in your time at ECU?

A: You know, I don't think any of them are too bad. I don't really have an answer — I guess the ones that have stopped us. Virginia Tech a couple of years ago was pretty good — looking forward to that one (this coming year). We haven't played great offensively against UNC here yet — we'd certainly like to play a little bit better against them. South Carolina last year was another good defense. We've played some good defenses, but I think if we play well, that answer is a little bit shorter.

Q: What are your thoughts about playing in a new conference in 2014?

A: Just tell us where to go and what time the game is and we'll be there.

Q: What's your favorite thing about East Carolina University?

A: That people are passionate about the job that we do here, which makes my job fun.

E-mail W.A. Myatt.

PAGE UPDATED 03/28/13 05:38 AM.