Particle.news
Download on the App Store
6 ARTICLES
·
37m ago

USC Misses Playoff Again as Oregon Loss Intensifies Calls to Overhaul Riley’s Staff

Criticism now centers on assistant coaching decisions rather than Lincoln Riley’s contract or recruiting.

Nov 7, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches game action against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Saturday’s 42-27 defeat at Oregon effectively ended USC’s College Football Playoff hopes for a fourth straight season under Lincoln Riley.
  • Current analysis highlights repeated assistant-coach missteps as a core problem, echoing past criticism over retaining Alex Grinch in 2023.
  • Linebackers coach Rob Ryan is being blamed for persistent schematic and run-fit failures, with opinion pieces urging his dismissal.
  • Special teams under Ryan Dougherty drew sharp scrutiny after a punt-return touchdown, a free kick out of bounds, a missed field goal, a fair-catch interference, and a leaping penalty that awarded Oregon a first down.
  • Chad Bowden is depicted as the internal driver likely to push offseason staff changes ahead of 2026, though no coaching moves have been announced.