Lincoln Riley says he will not be leaving the USC Trojans because he loves the sport he is currently coaching.
Lincoln Riley Isn’t Planning on an NFL Move
Since he stepped foot in Southern California, there have been persistent rumors of the NFL luring Riley away. While initially dismissed, the voices grew louder, yet the coach held fast.
From the outside, the coach is clearly focused on restoring USC to its former glory. In all honesty, the Men of Troy do not resemble the legendary groups of previous years.
Despite coaching a USC Heisman Trophy winner in Caleb Williams, over the last two years, the school has struggled with a 15-11 recrod. Yet, the NFL rumors continued based on his offensive acumen and ability to move the ball via a marriage of elite talent and high-level coaching.
During an interview with On3.com, Riley fielded the question without ducking or veering away.
“It’s flattering it’s nice when people say that,” Riley shared. “[The NFL is] not a long-term goal of mine. I love college football. I love coaching at USC. I love the job. I have I think I have the best job in football right now. We’re right on the verge of doing some really cool things here. At a place that’s unlike any other. It’s nice of them to say, but I’m a Trojan.”
With this level of emphasis, Riley accomplished two things.
First, he reaffirmed his loyalty to the University of Southern California, clearly shooting down the rumors. Next, he painted himself — whether on purpose or not — into a corner.
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If USC gets back on track and start winning, those offers become more concrete and more lucrative. Now, anything other than being fired at USC would allow him to leave for the pros without accusations of talking out both sides of his mouth. The pressure to stay became self-inflicted.
Why Would Riley Turn the Pros Down?
Why would Riley turn the down the National Football League? Without a doubt, Riley’s life at SC looks far better than he would have it in the NFL. Save for Andy Reid, Mike Tomlin and temporarily Nick Sirianni, Riley’s life in California overshadows the other twenty-nine other coaching jobs.
For example, Riley reportedly makes more than twenty-four NFL coaches, tied with San Francisco’s Kyle Shanahan. Scheduled to make $110 million over the decade-long length of his contract, promises ultimate job security.
If USC fires him, they still owe him the balance. That’s Jimbo Fisher/Texas A&M-level bag security.
Now, while money is the ultimate incentive, the Southern California administration sweetened the deal. From buying his two Oklahoma homes for a half-million dollars apiece to providing a palatial house in the hills, the Trojans rolled out several red carpets for the Riley family.
Last but certainly not least, the coach received unlimited access to a jet. Basically, he can take off to anywhere that he so chooses, at any time. Few, if any, coaches without a Super Bowl ring can boast this type of contract luxury.
Riley doesn’t work for a general manager. In fact, he just hired one at USC, meaning that the executive reports to the head coach.
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Meanwhile, he doesn’t endure a holdout, as he commands 85 players. Basically, Southern California is his realm, where he holds court. In no uncertain terms, Riley absolutely wants to remain as head coach of teh state’s signature football program.
With that page turned, the coach’s task at hand remains to lead the Trojans back to national dominance. The question remains if he can do that in the current college football atmosphere where finances dictate overwhelming success.
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