Riley joined the historic program in 2022 after leading Oklahoma to four Big 12 championships in five seasons at the helm of the Sooners. USC payed handsomely for Riley's surprising exit, signing him to a 10-year, $110 million deal that made him one of the highest-paid coaches in college football.

USC football coach Lincoln Riley was paid just over $11.5 million by the university in 2023. His base compensation ranked No. 4 nationally.

The biggest obstacle college football teams face is continuity. For USC, that is easier than for other programs this year throughout the nation. Understanding w