USC’s path forward with Lincoln Riley may not be as binary as it looks.
The Trojans do not have to be stuck between keeping him and swallowing the full cost of a buyout if they decide to move on. There is another possibility on the table: Riley could want out, another program could want him, and both sides could find a way to split that makes financial sense.
That idea came up on the USC LAFB Show. It was presented as a scenario to watch, not as reporting that anything is already in motion. Still, with the pressure around USC growing, it is a conversation worth having.
The on-field issue may not be whether Riley can coach. It may be whether he is the right coach for USC in the Big Ten.
After the loss to Wisconsin, USC is 6-2 and does not have much margin for error left. If the Trojans finish strong and then put together a competitive playoff showing, Riley’s case to stay becomes a lot stronger. But another stumble would only turn up the heat on the direction of the program.
Riley’s track record is part of why this remains complicated. His offense helped Oklahoma reach the College Football Playoff three times. The argument here is that a return to the Big 12 could give him a chance to recreate that kind of success in a place that fits him better.
His Texas background is a big reason that part of the discussion keeps surfacing. Riley grew up in Texas, played at Texas Tech, and started his coaching career there.
From there, the video pointed to three possible landing spots, though each one sits at a very different level of speculation.
Baylor is the most immediate name in the mix after the announced dismissal of Dave Aranda. The show referenced reporting that Baylor wants an offensive-minded coach with Texas ties, and Riley checks both boxes.
TCU also came up, but only as a possible fit if that job opens. The video raised questions about Sonny Dykes’ future, while making clear that an opening and real interest in Riley are not established facts. The appeal would be similar to Baylor’s: Texas roots, offensive credentials, and familiarity with the Big 12.
Texas Tech is the most intriguing connection and also the most speculative one. Joey McGuire is still the coach, and the video did not say a change is underway. Instead, it floated the idea that influential financial backer Cody Campbell might explore a different direction if the season does not meet expectations.
The money piece is where the idea gets especially interesting. In theory, if another school wanted Riley, a negotiated exit could reduce USC’s bill compared with simply firing him outright. The video mentioned a buyout figure of roughly $70 million, though it also made clear the exact mechanics are unknown.
That does not mean a new school would just take over USC’s obligation. Any agreement would have to be worked out through Riley’s contract and whatever negotiations all sides were willing to enter into.
Competition could matter too. If more than one school became interested, one might prefer to try to strike a deal rather than wait for Riley to hit the open market. That is a possible motivator, not evidence that any talks are happening.
The show also pointed to USC basketball as a comparison, noting Andy Enfield’s departure for SMU. In that case, the relationship had run its course, another school provided a landing spot, and USC moved on to Eric Musselman. It is only an example of how a separation can work, not a prediction that Riley’s situation would unfold the same way.
For now, the checklist is simple. USC has to see what happens over the rest of the season.
Baylor’s search has to develop. TCU would have to open up.
Texas Tech would have to seriously consider a change. And any real interest in Riley would need to be backed up by credible reporting.
A mutual split only works if USC wants out, Riley wants a new start, and another school wants him enough to help make it happen.
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