The USC Trojans do not necessarily have to choose between keeping Lincoln Riley and paying his entire buyout to move on.
There could be a third option: another program wants Riley, Riley wants a fresh start, and the two sides find a way to make a separation work financially.
That is the possibility explored on the USC LAFB Show. It is not a report of an agreement or active negotiations. But with pressure building at USC, it is a scenario worth watching.
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The Issue Might Be Fit, Not Ability
Following the loss to Wisconsin, USC sits at 6-2 with little room for another setback.
A strong finish could change the conversation. Winning out and delivering a competitive playoff performance would give Riley a much stronger argument for staying.
But another disappointing result would only intensify questions about the program’s direction.
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Riley can still be a good coach without being the right fit for USC in the Big Ten.
His offensive approach helped Oklahoma reach the College Football Playoff three times. A return to the Big 12 could give him a chance to recreate that success in a setting that better suits him.
Why A Texas School Makes Sense For Lincoln Riley
Lincoln Riley’s Texas roots are central to this discussion. He grew up in the state, played at Texas Tech, and began his coaching career there.
Three programs come up as potential landing spots, although their situations are very different.
Baylor
Baylor is the most immediate possibility discussed in the video following the announced dismissal of Dave Aranda.
The show points to reporting that Baylor wants an offensive-minded coach with Texas ties. Riley fits that profile, making the opening a logical one to monitor.
TCU
TCU is another potential fit if its job opens.
The video raises questions about Sonny Dykes’ future, but an opening and interest in Riley should not be treated as established facts. The appeal would be similar: Texas connections, offensive credentials, and familiarity with the Big 12.
Texas Tech
Texas Tech offers the strongest personal connection, but it is also the most speculative option.
Joey McGuire remains the coach, and the video does not report that a change is underway. The discussion instead centers on whether influential financial backer Cody Campbell might pursue a different direction if the season falls short of expectations.
How Could The Buyout Work For The USC Trojans?
The financial argument is straightforward in concept, even if the details are not.
If another school wanted to hire Riley, a negotiated departure could potentially reduce USC’s cost of moving on compared with an outright firing.
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That does not mean another program would simply pay USC’s entire obligation. Any arrangement would depend on Lincoln Riley’s contract, negotiations, and the willingness of everyone involved.
The video references a roughly $70 million buyout figure, while acknowledging that the exact financial mechanics are unknown.
Competition could also matter. If multiple schools wanted Riley, one might prefer to pursue an agreement rather than wait for him to reach the open market.
That is a possible incentive, not evidence that those conversations are happening.
USC Has Seen A Version Of This Before
The show points to USC Basketball’s Andy Enfield’s departure for SMU as a comparison: a coaching relationship had run its course, another school offered a landing spot, and USC moved forward with Eric Musselman.
It is a useful illustration of the concept, not proof that Riley’s situation would unfold the same way.
What to watch next
- Whether USC rebounds over its remaining games.
- How Baylor’s coaching search develops.
- Whether TCU’s job opens.
- Whether Texas Tech actually considers a change.
- Whether credible reporting establishes interest in Riley.
The Takeaway
A mutual split would require more than USC wanting a change. Lincoln Riley would need an appealing destination, and another school would need to want him enough to help make the move possible.