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NORMAN — Lincoln Riley remains loyal to his defensive coaching staff, the Oklahoma coach said during Monday’s press conference, despite a recent downward trend.

The Sooners have struggled on defense the past two games under defensive coordinator Mike Stoops, giving up 41 points against Baylor and 38 points in Saturday’s setback to Iowa State. It was similar to a 2016 slide that included giving up 59 points (Texas Tech), 46 points (TCU) and 40 (Texas).

Riley was asked Monday if defensive coaching changes were up for discussion.

“That’s not on the table,” Riley said. “We have a really good defensive staff and that’s who we’re going to have.”

Riley inherited the defensive staff when he took over for Bob Stoops on June 7. The only new assistant coach is defensive tackles coach Ruffin McNeill.

Linebacker Ogbonnia Okoronkwo was asked about the team’s downslide.

“There’s nothing wrong schematically with what we’re doing,” Okoronkwo said. “The players gotta play. The coaches aren’t out on the field. The players got to execute.”

The senior was asked about Stoops’ message to the team compared to the last two seasons following regular-season losses.