Skip to main content
usc logo

Lincoln Riley responds to coaching rumors: 'I'm a USC Trojan'

Erik-McKinneyby:Erik McKinney•12/04/24•

ErikTMcKinney

USC head coach Lincoln Riley on the sideline during the Trojans' game against Notre Dame at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
USC head coach Lincoln Riley on the sideline during the Trojans' game against Notre Dame at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (acscottphotography/WeAreSC)

USC head coach Lincoln Riley has had his name come up in connection to a couple of vacant head coaching jobs, including once this morning when The Athletic reported UCF had reached out to Riley.

During his National Signing Day press conference on Wednesday afternoon, Riley was asked about those reports and his response if and when other programs reach out.

“I tell them I’m a USC Trojan,” Riley said through a laugh. “I’m at the place I want to be. It’s a non-starter, it’s a non-issue. I’m home.”

Riley’s performance has come under scrutiny as the USC Trojans went 11-3 in his first year with the program, reaching the Pac-12 Championship Game. The Trojans then went 8-5 last season as Riley made the late-season decision to fire defensive coordinator Alex Grinch. This year, USC finished 6-6 as Riley’s offense struggled to score points without Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Caleb Williams and in the Trojans’ first year in the Big Ten conference.

Riley was speaking during a signing day press conference as his program sits at No. 14 nationally in the 2025 On3 Industry Class Rankings. This is a huge offseason for the Trojans as they will lose key, veteran contributors on both sides of the ball. USC also needs to find a replacement for linebackers coach Matt Entz, who was hired as the head coach at Fresno State.

USC’s schedule next season includes road trips to Oregon, Notre Dame, Illinois and Nebraska, plus home games against Iowa and Michigan.

You may also like

Garry Paskwietz (1966-2019)

Garry Paskwietz was a pioneer in bringing team-specific sports coverage to the internet. He founded WeAreSC in 1998 and was an Emmy winner for his work with Fox Sports West. Always generous with his time, knowledge, and compassion, he touched the lives of countless USC and high school football fans.

Garry Paskwietz