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4w ago

Lincoln Riley Addresses Job Rumors During Busy Coaching Carousel

A reported $90 million buyout looms over any potential move.

Head coach Lincoln Riley of the USC Trojans watches the team warm up before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Lincoln Riley of the USC Trojans leaves the field before the game against Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana.
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CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 27: Head coach Lincoln Riley of the USC Trojans looks on against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium on September 27, 2025 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

Overview

  • After USC’s 38–17 win over Northwestern on Friday, Riley told reporters he is “where I need to be,” answering days of speculation about his future.
  • An on-air hint from insider Josh Pate on November 6 to “keep an eye on Lincoln Riley at USC” accelerated chatter tying him to openings at Florida, LSU, and Penn State.
  • Newsweek and others note Riley’s strong career profile (87–26 with multiple Heisman winners) alongside a 32–16 mark at USC and a 7–2 record this season with a tough finish ahead.
  • Riley is reported to make about $11.5 million annually, and multiple outlets cite an estimated buyout around $90 million that analysts view as the key barrier to any in‑season change.
  • On3’s Keith Niebuhr floated Riley on Florida lists and referenced limited, unverified buzz about Texas ties, with no confirmed approach or offer reported.