The University of Central Florida (UCF) has reportedly contacted representatives of USC coach Lincoln Riley as part of its search for a new football coach to replace Gus Malzahn. According to sources familiar with the discussions, there has been no clear indication that Riley is considering the move, nor has UCF received any signs of interest from his camp.
Currently in the third season of a 10-year contract with USC, Riley makes about $10 million a year. His deal, which is not made public because of USC's private institution status, would likely pose significant financial hurdles for any program trying to lure him away. Industry estimates suggest that parting ways with Riley prematurely would cost about $90 million, even though she would owe the school nothing if she chose to leave voluntarily.
Sources revealed that UCF made contact with Riley's representatives last weekend to evaluate his willingness to transfer. While Riley's potential departure would require significant negotiations to offset financial discrepancies between his existing contract and UCF's resources, insiders confirmed that no progress has been made in this regard.
Meanwhile, UCF continues to evaluate other candidates for the position. Malzahn, who left after four seasons to join Florida State as offensive coordinator, made about $4 million in 2024, a figure that pales in comparison to Riley's current salary package. Additionally, UCF's move to the Big 12 Conference resulted in limited financial flexibility, as the school still receives a partial share of the league's revenue. The total revenue shares, which are expected to double current numbers, won't take effect until the 2025-26 fiscal year.
Riley's tenure at USC, which began in 2021 after a high-profile departure from Oklahoma, has been marked by mixed results. His arrival generated considerable excitement, bringing with it a reputation for developing Heisman-winning quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray. Riley's inaugural season in Los Angeles saw USC finish 11–3, buoyed by quarterback Caleb Williams, who followed him from Oklahoma and won the Heisman Trophy.
However, subsequent seasons have seen diminishing returns. USC finished 8-5 in 2023, its final season in the Pac-12, and finished the 2024 regular season with a 6-6 record in its Big Ten debut. The downward trend has raised questions about the ability of Riley to maintain USC's competitive position. Recruiting efforts have not lived up to expectations, and the program's trajectory remains unclear.
The uncertainty is further compounded by leadership changes within the USC athletic department. Riley was initially brought to Los Angeles under then-athletic director Mike Bohn, who resigned in 2023 amid controversy. President Carol Folt, who played a key role in Riley's hiring, will retire next summer. The current athletic director, Jen Cohen, inherited Riley's contract upon her appointment in August 2023.
Cohen now faces the challenge of managing a football program that has underperformed since his large investment in Riley. While parallels can be drawn to his management of the USC men's basketball program earlier this year, where a coaching transition was successfully navigated, it's unclear whether similar solutions could apply to Riley's situation.
Riley has consistently expressed a long-term vision for USC, noting that building a championship-caliber program takes time and institutional support. However, the ongoing struggles on the field, along with the program's apparent lack of direction, have fueled speculation about Riley's future with the Trojans.
As UCF continues its search for Malzahn's successor, the prospect of securing a high-profile coach like Riley remains uncertain. Whether UCF can meet the financial and logistical challenges of such a move or find a more viable candidate will determine the next chapter for both programs.
