Lincoln Riley, the former head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners, made a significant career move when he left his position to become the head coach at the University of Southern California (USC). This decision marked a pivotal moment in college football, as Riley had been a prominent figure at Oklahoma, leading the team to multiple Big 12 championships and College Football Playoff appearances.​
Departure from Oklahoma
Riley’s tenure at Oklahoma was marked by success, including a 55-10 record over five seasons. Under his leadership, the Sooners secured four consecutive Big 12 titles and made three appearances in the College Football Playoff. Notably, Riley coached quarterbacks such as Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Jalen Hurts, all of whom went on to have successful careers in the NFL. His offensive prowess and ability to develop quarterbacks were central to Oklahoma’s dominance during his tenure.
However, in November 2021, Riley made the decision to leave Oklahoma for USC. This move was unexpected, as no Oklahoma coach had left for another college job since 1947. The decision was influenced by several factors, including the opportunity to take on a new challenge and the potential for sustained success at USC. Riley expressed that the move was a personal decision based on his willingness to embrace a new challenge .​
Challenges Following the Move
The transition to USC was not without its challenges. Following the announcement of his departure, Riley and his family faced safety concerns. Riley reported that fans attempted to break into his house, prompting him to expedite his family’s move to California. He emphasized that his primary concern was the safety of his family, stating that he had to “get them out of here as fast as [they could]” .​
Despite these challenges, Riley found a sense of relief in his new environment. He noted that in California, he felt more relaxed and was able to enjoy public outings with his family without the intense scrutiny he experienced in Oklahoma .​
Impact on USC and the College Football Landscape
Riley’s arrival at USC was seen as a significant move to revitalize the program. USC had been searching for a head coach to restore its former glory, and Riley’s reputation as an offensive innovator made him an ideal candidate. In his first season at USC, Riley led the Trojans to an 11-3 record and a berth in the Pac-12 Championship Game .​
Riley’s recruiting efforts also began to pay off, as he secured commitments from top high school talents, including quarterback Malachi Nelson and wide receiver Makai Lemon. These recruits were among the top players in California, signaling a shift in USC’s recruiting strategy under Riley’s leadership .​
The move also had implications for the broader college football landscape. Oklahoma, a program with a rich history, was left to conduct its first head coaching search since 1999. The departure of Riley and the impending move of Oklahoma to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) added to the uncertainty surrounding the program’s future .
Lincoln Riley’s decision to leave Oklahoma for USC was a landmark moment in college football. While the move presented challenges, it also offered new opportunities for both Riley and the programs involved. As USC continues its resurgence under Riley’s leadership, the impact of this coaching change will likely be felt across the college football landscape for years to come.​
