According to federal tax returns acquired by USA Today, the University of Southern California shelled out a staggering $19.7 million towards head coach Lincoln Riley during the 2022 calendar year.
These figures divulged from the tax documents unveiled a breakdown of Riley’s compensation, including a base salary close to $10 million and an additional sum of nearly $9.6 million classified under “other reportable compensation.”
USC provided a statement to USA Today clarifying that the “other reportable compensation” pertained to a buyout settlement the university facilitated on behalf of Riley with his former employer, the University of Oklahoma.
Riley was successfully lured away from the Sooners by USC in November 2021, marking a significant coaching acquisition for the Trojans.
The disclosed documents also unveiled payments made to other coaching staff, notably former USC defensive coordinator Alex Grinch, who received a total of $4.3 million, encompassing his $2 million base salary alongside a buyout obligation to Oklahoma.
Additionally, USC disbursed $4 million to former head coach Clay Helton, who has since embarked on his third season coaching at Georgia Southern University.
Riley’s inaugural season at USC witnessed a blend of successes and setbacks.
Despite his decorated tenure at Oklahoma, which boasted five years, four Big 12 titles, and two College Football Playoff appearances, Riley’s maiden campaign at USC culminated in an 11-3 record.
The Trojans clinched a spot in the 2022 Pac-12 Championship Game, albeit suffering defeat against Utah, followed by an inexplicable loss to Tulane in the Cotton Bowl.
Nonetheless, amidst the challenges, quarterback Caleb Williams emerged as a beacon of hope, becoming the third quarterback under Riley’s tutelage to win the prestigious Heisman Trophy.
Entering last season, Riley’s Trojans were a popular pick to make the College Football Playoff … But as we’re often reminded in life, not everything goes according to plan.
The bar was set very high for Williams, but if we’re being honest, his performance took a noticeable step back in 2023.
Defensive concerns have plagued Riley over the past several years and sure enough they reared their ugly heads once again last season.
Along with the defensive lapses, the Trojans offensive line was often exposed, and Williams was more times than not left running for his life.
The end result was an ultra-disappointing 7-5 record as the vultures appeared from the darkness and celebrated yet another Riley failure.
What are your thoughts on Riley’s eye-opening compensation?
We knew that USC was going to have to pay up to lure him away from Oklahoma … But was it worth it?
What are your thoughts on Riley as a coach? … Is he overrated?
What’s the better overall coaching job: USC or Oklahoma???