USC Head Coach Lincoln Riley Confirms He Will Remain at Trojans

USC head football coach Lincoln Riley stated on Tuesday that he intends to remain as the Trojans head coach, ending speculation that he might depart for Baylor or that former quarterback Carson Palmer would replace him. Riley made the comments during a media session at the Bloom Football Performance Center, where he reaffirmed his strong working relationship with Athletic Director Jen Cohen.

The rumors began circulating immediately after USC lost 24-7 to Wisconsin on Saturday night. That defeat removed the Trojans from the AP Top 25 rankings. Riley, a Texas native who moved to Los Angeles for the position, said he has had many opportunities to leave his current role. He described his current position as his preferred location in college football.

Riley praised Cohen, who assumed the athletic director role in 2023 after replacing Mike Bohn. Riley called Cohen a tremendous administrator and noted that her support has been essential to the program's recent progress. He acknowledged that while they have not worked together long, their partnership is effective.

The Wisconsin game marked a low point for the Trojans' offense under Riley. USC scored only seven points, the fewest by any team under his leadership. The team rushed for minus-17 yards, the lowest total for the Trojans since 1999. USC also missed two field goal attempts in the second half. Riley admitted on Tuesday that he did not do a sufficient job staying with his play-calling strategy during the contest.

Riley is in his fifth season as head coach of USC. He holds a 41-20 record at the program but has not yet won a conference title or secured a College Football Playoff berth. The team also suffered a 41-27 loss to Oregon, which drew criticism over the handling of linebacker Desman Stephens II's ejection. That hit caused Oregon quarterback Dante Moore to miss the remainder of the season with a concussion.

Running back King Miller expressed full confidence in Riley's leadership during the Tuesday press conference. Miller, who joined the team as a walk-on, stated that Riley has treated him consistently whether he was a starter or a reserve. Miller said he has no doubt Riley is the best person for the job.

USC, currently 6-2 overall and 3-2 in the Big Ten, plays No. 2 Ohio State on Saturday. The Buckeyes are 6-1 overall and 4-0 in conference play. USC must win to keep its slim chances for a 12-team College Football Playoff spot alive. The Trojans also face No. 4 Indiana and UCLA in their final four games. Riley said his focus is entirely on preparing for the Ohio State matchup at the Coliseum.