USC Coach Lincoln Riley Cites Sacrifice After 6-2 Season Starts

Lincoln Riley has reached his fifth year as head coach of the USC Trojans with a 6-2 record, a mark that has intensified scrutiny of his long-term future in Los Angeles. The team just suffered a disappointing loss to Wisconsin, leaving its College Football Playoff hopes in a precarious position. The schedule offers no reprieve this weekend as No. 2 Ohio State arrives in the state.

Riley addressed the speculation about his departure directly before the game against the Buckeyes. He emphasized that he gave up a highly successful position at the University of Oklahoma to accept the USC job. He noted that few coaches in college football history have made a similar trade.

"I love it here," Riley said. "I've told you guys many times. There's not many people in college football history who gave up what I gave up to come here. I don't care if it's 15 years down the line. That should never be taken lightly, and it's not taken lightly by me. I came here because this is where I wanted to be. I came here because I believe in this place, and none of that has changed whatsoever."

His reference to his past tenure highlights the contrast between his previous success and current results. At Oklahoma, he regularly qualified for the College Football Playoff and competed with elite resources. At USC, the team has not secured a win against a ranked opponent this season. Its two losses came against Oregon, a team that has struggled, and unranked Wisconsin.

Riley acknowledged the pressure of coaching a major program by comparing it to his first season in Norman. He recalled how difficult it was to recover from his initial loss there, noting that some fans tried to push him out immediately. He stated that he learned quickly that the emotional highs and lows of the job could be overwhelming if a coach let them get to him.

The uncertainty is compounded by the fact that three Power Four coaching positions are currently vacant, with more expected to open soon. Although athletic director Jennifer Cohen did not hire Riley, he described their relationship as fantastic. He credited her with providing strong support for the football program despite the different hiring circumstances.

"She's a tremendous AD," Riley said. "Even though she's not the AD I came here with, and I'm not the coach she hired, we have a fantastic relationship. She's been a huge part of all the progress we've made and has been incredibly supportive."

Riley won 11 games in his first season at USC but has not reached that milestone since. The program has not been close to a College Football Playoff berth in subsequent years. A victory over Ohio State would provide a signature win and expand the team's path to the postseason. Another loss would likely generate more questions at his next news conference.