Lincoln Riley states he is the right fit for USC after two losses
The coach dismisses speculation about his future and points to a difficult stretch of games against top Big Ten opponents.
By Javier Sanders ·
Lincoln Riley told reporters on Tuesday that he is the correct person to lead the University of Southern California football program. The comments came after the Trojans suffered their second loss of the season, a 24-7 defeat to Wisconsin on Saturday. That result dropped the team's recent momentum and intensified questions about the coach's long-term fit in Los Angeles.
Riley is currently in the fifth year of his tenure at USC. During that time, he has not secured a spot in the College Football Playoff or won a conference championship. His overall record with the Trojans stands at 41 wins and 20 losses. Despite these numbers, Riley emphasized that he remains committed to the school and the staff that supports him.
The coach addressed the speculation directly during a news conference following practice. He noted that he had multiple opportunities to leave the program in previous years. Riley said he stayed because he believes in the institution and its potential. He described his decision to stay as a clear and honest assessment of his position.
A key part of the discussion involved Riley's relationship with athletic director Jen Cohen. Cohen did not hire Riley, yet he described their working partnership as fantastic. He said she has been incredibly supportive of the coaching staff and a major contributor to the program's development. This alignment helps counter narratives of internal friction that have circulated in recent weeks.
The team entered this season with high expectations. USC secured the top recruiting class in the country this year and opened a new 200 million dollar facility. Before the season began, billboards around Los Angeles displayed the slogan The time is now. Riley also told media members at Big Ten days that the roster was more equipped than ever to win a title. The current record has not yet matched those ambitious goals.
The upcoming schedule presents a steep challenge. The Trojans are set to play Ohio State, defending champion Indiana, and undefeated UCLA. Riley acknowledged that the team likely needs to win all remaining games to shift the tone of the season. He compared the current pressure to his first year at Oklahoma in 2017, when he faced intense criticism after an early loss. He said the truth usually lies between the overly positive and overly negative reactions.
Offensive lineman Elijah Paige spoke for the team on Tuesday, stating that no one in the world wants USC to win more than the head coach. Riley maintained that his job is to stay steady through the cycle of public opinion. He focused the team's attention on preparing for Ohio State on Saturday rather than the wider narrative surrounding the program's future.
