Lincoln Riley’s tenure as USC’s head football coach has come under scrutiny, not for his on-field results alone but for the massive compensation he’s received despite them. Public documents reviewed by Steve Berkowitz of USA Today reveal that Riley earned $11.5 million in 2023, his second year with the Trojans. This includes a $10.2 million base salary—believed to make him the fourth-highest-paid coach in college football—plus $100,000 in incentives and $1.15 million in other compensation. Riley also has a $3.43 million housing loan from USC, unchanged from its original amount, adding to the financial package that underscores the high expectations for his leadership.
Riley’s first year in 2022 was even more lucrative, with a reported $19.7 million in compensation, though that figure includes a $4.5 million buyout USC paid to Oklahoma, which was taxable income for Riley but covered by the school. These numbers, confirmed through tax return documents, highlight the significant investment USC made when hiring Riley from Oklahoma ahead of the 2022 season. At the time, reports pegged him as one of college football’s highest-paid coaches, a status his 2023 earnings reinforce, trailing only coaches like Alabama’s Nick Saban, who earned $12.1 million that year, per USA Today’s coaching salary database.
Despite the hefty paycheck, Riley’s performance has been underwhelming, with a 26-14 record over three seasons at USC, including a 7-6 finish in 2024 that left fans frustrated. The Trojans, who last won a national championship in 2004, were expected to return to elite status under Riley, known for his offensive prowess and quarterback development at Oklahoma, where he coached Heisman winners Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray. But after a promising 11-3 debut in 2022, USC regressed, going 8-5 in 2023 and struggling last season with losses to unranked teams like Minnesota and Maryland, per USC’s official athletics records. The pressure is mounting as the 2025 season approaches, with the Trojans opening against LSU on September 1 at 7:30 PM ET on ABC.
If USC fails to show improvement in 2025—currently projected as a 9-3 team by ESPN’s Football Power Index—the calls for Riley’s firing could become deafening, despite his job appearing safe for now. There’s been chatter of other schools eyeing the 41-year-old, whose offensive system still draws interest, but USC’s investment demands results. With quarterback Miller Moss returning after a 3,116-yard, 24-touchdown 2024 season, Riley has the pieces to turn things around. Trojans fans, however, are growing restless, wondering if their $11.5 million coach can finally deliver the success his salary promises.
