Calls Mount for Major College Football Program to Fire $110 Million Coach
By Max Escarpio,
4 days ago
The preseason college football rankings may have given fans and media members a preview of some of the top teams in the country, but they certainly didn't tell the full story.
A few programs that began the season highly ranked, such as preseason No. 9 Michigan, No. 10 Florida State, No. 16 Oklahoma and No. 23 USC, have plummeted down the rankings as the season heads into Week 9.
While some of these teams have dealt with injuries, others seem to have issues with the coaching staff. A team like the Trojans have been riding a rollercoaster all season.
They recently suffered a 29-28 loss to the Maryland Terrapins, suffering their third straight loss of the season. With the Big Ten loss, USC fell to 3-4 on the year and 1-4 in conference play.
While the Trojans certainly have questions to answer on the field, especially on the defensive end, fans believe the biggest problem is head coach Lincoln Riley.
In the Week 8 loss to Maryland, the Trojans gave up 22 second-half points, 15 of which were in the fourth quarter, compared to the Terrapins' seven points in the final 30 minutes.
Under Riley, the Trojans have been outscored in the second half in three of their four losses this season. Constant issues like this have led fans to think Riley should be fired from the program.
Some fans seem to have had enough of the Trojans' second-half struggles after their loss to the Terrapins. Not only have the Trojans been substandard in the second half, but their defense has also pushed them into the loss column.
"Nothing We can do but fire Lincoln Riley," said one fan.
"As a USC alum I say we start a fund to pay out Lincoln Riley's contract and fire him," said another fan.
"USC has got to fire Lincoln Riley at this point. He clearly isn’t a good head coach. I do know of a program looking for an offensive coordinator…" mentioned one fan.
"Fire Lincoln Riley on the tarmac," commented one fan.
"USC might fire Lincoln Riley at this rate," said one fan.
"I’m done!!! Fire Lincoln Riley…this is absurd," said another fan.
Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
In Riley's first season at USC, 2022, the team earned an 11-3 record. While there was hope that Riley could get the Trojans back on top of the college football world, the loss of Heisman-winning quarterback Caleb Williams to the NFL has proven to be an issue.
USC benefited from Williams' play for Riley's first two seasons with the program, but they're now starting Miller Moss. Williams left for the NFL draft, and the Trojans have taken a hit in every aspect.
Moss has produced solid numbers with 14 touchdowns and 1,954 yards on the season, yet he doesn't bring the electric play like Williams on offense. During Williams' last season with the program, 2023, he posted 30 touchdowns and five interceptions on 3,633 yards.
Miller has already thrown six interceptions this season, which is the main problem with USC being outscored in the second half.
USC's biggest issue on the defensive end is its inability to rush the quarterback. With eight sacks on the season, it has the lowest number of sacks in the Big Ten.
Riley originally signed a $110 million deal that spanned through 10 years with the USC Trojans, per Matthew Conner at FanSided . If the Trojans were to fire Riley, the buyout would cost the program $88 million.
the biggest problem with all sports pro and college there is to much money being paid out to coaches and players especially college no player should get paid by anyone that NIL is a joke. and coaches have these huge salaries and a contract saying if they get fired you have to pay them in full. if a coach doesn’t have a winning season by the 3rd or 4th year there contract should be nullified
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