Lincoln Riley, the head coach of USC and former Oklahoma Sooners coach for five seasons, recently addressed remarks made by Oklahoma Athletic Director Joe Castiglione regarding the Sooners’ move to the SEC. Riley’s tenure at Oklahoma was marked by considerable success, boasting a 55-10 record and leading the team to the College Football Playoff in his initial three seasons. He secured four consecutive Big 12 titles and earned recognition as the 2018 Big 12 Coach of the Year. Notably, Riley guided quarterbacks Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray to Heisman Trophy victories, both subsequently being drafted first overall in consecutive years.
Despite his accomplishments, Riley’s departure from Oklahoma to USC was shadowed by speculation that he was not supportive of the Sooners’ transition to the SEC. At Oklahoma’s first SEC Media Days, Joe Castiglione hinted at this discord, implying that coaches hesitant about the move were no longer with the program. Riley responded cryptically during USC’s first Big Ten Media Days, as shared by Brett McMurphy of The Action Network in a tweet:
“USC’s Lincoln Riley on future scheduling challenges, mentioned Alabama’s scheduling model under Nick Saban: ‘Alabama didn’t schedule for their fans, they scheduled to win championships'”
Riley’s shift to USC marked a departure from Oklahoma’s trajectory, where under his successor Brent Venables, the Sooners have posted a 16-10 record since Riley’s departure in 2021. Meanwhile, USC has maintained a 19-8 record during Riley’s two-year tenure, indicating a strong start under his leadership.
In outlining his vision for USC, Riley drew parallels to Nick Saban’s approach at Alabama, where Saban orchestrated six national championships during his 17-season tenure. Riley highlighted Alabama’s scheduling strategy, emphasizing a focus on matchups that optimize championship contention rather than simply pleasing fans. This approach contrasts with USC’s upcoming schedule, which includes one mid-major opponent, Utah State, alongside powerhouse teams LSU and Notre Dame, both of which concluded the 2023 season with a 10-3 record, positioning them as formidable contenders for the College Football Playoff.
Riley’s remarks underscored his strategic mindset and determination to position USC as a powerhouse akin to Saban’s Alabama. His tenure at USC has already demonstrated promise, with the team showing a competitive edge under his guidance. As he navigates the challenges of leading a program with storied history and high expectations, Riley’s measured responses to external commentary reflect his commitment to steering USC towards sustained success in the college football landscape.
