Lincoln Riley Shuts Down Coaching Rumors: “I’m a USC Trojan”
USC football head coach Lincoln Riley isn’t going anywhere—at least, that’s the message he delivered loud and clear during his signing day news conference on Wednesday. When asked about the possibility of taking a head-coaching position elsewhere, Riley didn’t mince words.
“I tell them I’m a USC Trojan,” Riley said confidently. “I’m at the place I want to be.”
Riley’s comments come amid speculation that other programs might be eyeing him for their own coaching vacancies. One such program is UCF, which is currently searching for a new head coach after Gus Malzahn left to join Florida State as its offensive coordinator earlier this week. According to sources who spoke with ESPN, UCF did reach out to Riley, a report that was also confirmed by The Athletic.
But Riley was quick to shut down any notion of him leaving Los Angeles. “It’s a nonstarter, a nonissue,” he said, doubling down on his commitment to the Trojans. “I’m home.”
Riley’s Record at USC: A Mixed Bag
Riley’s tenure at USC has been a rollercoaster ride. In three seasons, he’s posted a 25-14 record, but the 2024 season was a particularly tough pill to swallow for Trojans fans. After a promising 11-3 debut season in 2022 that saw USC come tantalizingly close to making the College Football Playoff, the team has gone 14-11 over the past two years, including a disappointing 6-6 finish in 2024.
One of the biggest challenges for Riley has been the team’s late-game execution. Despite showing improvement on defense in 2024 after firing defensive coordinator Alex Grinch and bringing in D’Anton Lynn as his replacement, the Trojans struggled to close out games. All six of their losses this past season came after holding a fourth-quarter lead—a stat that has left fans and analysts scratching their heads.
Déjà Vu for Riley?
For those who’ve followed Riley’s career, this isn’t the first time he’s had to address rumors about his future. Back in 2021, while still coaching at Oklahoma, Riley was linked to the LSU job. At the time, he told reporters after the Big 12 Championship that he wouldn’t be the next coach at LSU. Less than 24 hours later, he was announced as USC’s new head coach. That whirlwind of events has left some fans skeptical whenever Riley denies interest in other jobs, but his latest comments seem to leave little room for doubt.
What’s Next for USC?
As Riley looks ahead to the 2025 season, the focus will undoubtedly be on turning things around for the Trojans. With a revamped defense under D’Anton Lynn and a roster that continues to attract top talent, there’s reason for optimism. But the pressure is on Riley to deliver results, especially after a season that fell far short of expectations.
Here’s a quick recap of Riley’s tenure at USC so far:
- 2022: 11-3 record, narrowly missed the College Football Playoff.
- 2023-2024: Combined 14-11 record, including a 6-6 finish in 2024.
- Defensive struggles: Fired Alex Grinch, hired D’Anton Lynn, but late-game execution remains an issue.
For now, Riley seems fully committed to USC, and his message to fans and potential suitors alike is crystal clear: “I’m a USC Trojan.” Whether that commitment translates into success on the field remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Riley isn’t backing down from the challenge.
Originally Written by: Paolo Uggetti
