Lincoln Riley’s USC future may be determined by tough closing schedule

It hasn’t been the marriage either USC or Lincoln Riley had in mind , with the former Oklahoma coach left the Sooners to head to Los Angeles. Riley is 41-20 as the Trojans’ head coach, but USC is expected to win big games and make the College Football Playoff. That hasn’t happened under Riley’s watch. In his first season, USC won 11 games, while losing in the Cotton Bowl. But the first season under Riley was promising, but in his fifth season at USC — he hasn’t gotten over the hump. Riley has won nine games in one season since the 2021 season, and with USC at 6-2 and a tough road ahead, there are plenty of rumors swirling regarding Riley’s status as USC’s head coach. MORE: Oregon, Iowa, & USC take massive falls in Big Ten power rankings entering Week 9 in college football How USC finishes could determine his fate USC is coming off a 24-7 loss to Wisconsin and now the Trojans are set to face No. 2 Ohio State, which lost its star quarterback, Julian Sayin. There is a path to win that game, but a loss would really send the fanbase reeling on Riley. To make matters worse, USC has to play both Indiana and UCLA after Ohio State, which means the Trojans play three top-10 teams in their final four games this season. A 7-5 record is certainly on the table and USA TODAY’s John Brice reported that it’s an “unhappy marriage between the two sides”. “Let him lose to Ohio State, without a quarterback, and things are really going to get uncomfortable,” the person told USA TODAY Sports. “It’s already clear this isn’t a fit for either side. “And both sides know it.” The money side of things Riley’s buyout is quite massive. He would be owed $57 million if USC were to elect to fire the offensive-minded head coach. But there is a loophole. Former Athletic Director Mike Bohn was the one who hired Riley. USC fired him, and was able to lure Jennifer Cohen away from Washington to lead the department. Riley’s contract stipulates that his buyout to leave USC would be waived. And of course, if Riley just left, it would be waived. Despite Riley saying he was happy at USC , most people realize the two sides are going to part at some point in time. Baylor is one place that’s an intriguing option. The Bears recently fired Dave Aranda and will undergo a coaching search. Riley is from Texas, and competing in the Big 12 would be easier for him than the likes of either the SEC or Big Ten. —  Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter  —