University of Oklahoma-
In a stunning move on Sunday, OU Coach Lincoln Riley, 38, accepted the head-coaching position at USC, according to ESPN and multiple reports. He replaces former Trojans coach Clay Helton, who was fired in September after posting a 46-24 record in seven seasons.
There are multiple reports out now that the well-regarded offensive mind is taking the vacant head coaching job at the University of Southern California, first reported by Pete Thamel.
The reports come just 24 hours after Oklahoma’s loss on the road in the regular-season finale to in-state rival Oklahoma State. The Sooners lost 37-33, falling just short of converting on a fourth and long; freshman quarterback Caleb Williams came just five yards short of the sticks as he scrambled out of the pocket trying to pick up the first down with his legs as the clock was running.
Riley finished his fifth year overall as a head coach after taking the job with the Sooners back in 2017 after legendary coach Bob Stoops stepped down from his position. Riley was on staff with Stoops as his offensive coordinator for two seasons before getting promoted to the head job.
OU Coach Lincoln Riley
Riley guided the Sooners to four consecutive Big 12 titles and three College Football Playoff appearances in his first four seasons.
Following the Bedlam loss, after there was widespread speculation that he was LSU’s choice to replace the departing Ed Orgeron, Riley said, “I’m not going to be the next head coach at LSU.”
It’s a big blow to the Sooners, who are about to transition into the SEC. Riley had a 55-10 record in five seasons, including a 37-7 mark in the Big 12.
USC finished 4-7 in 2021 and will need a complete rebuilding continuing their fall from grace in the early 2000s.
Riley’s departure is a massive one as Oklahoma is considered one of the top jobs in America, and with a pending move to the SEC for Oklahoma and rival Texas, it will make Norman an even bigger destination.
