UCF has reportedly expressed interest in USC coach Lincoln Riley as a potential replacement for Gus Malzahn, according to sources familiar with the discussions. However, there is no indication that Riley is considering leaving USC, where he is currently in the third year of a lucrative 10-year contract.
Details of Riley’s contract at USC are not publicly available due to the school’s private status, but it is believed that any attempt to lure him away would come with a hefty price tag. UCF reached out to Riley’s representatives over the weekend to gauge his interest in a potential move, but no formal discussions have taken place regarding adjusting his contract.
If Riley were to leave USC, the cost to the Trojans could be as high as $90 million, making it a significant financial hurdle for any school looking to hire him. UCF, which paid Malzahn $4 million in 2024, may not be in a position to match the terms of Riley’s current deal.
Even if Riley did express interest in the UCF job, it is likely that some sort of financial arrangement would need to be made to compensate for the remaining years on his USC contract. The departure of key figures involved in Riley’s hiring, such as former athletic director Mike Bohn and university president Carol Folt, adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
Riley’s tenure at USC has seen mixed results, with the team’s win total decreasing each season. Despite a strong start that included an 11-3 record in his first year, the Trojans have struggled in recent seasons, finishing with a 6-6 record in 2024.
Recruiting has also been a challenge for Riley at USC, and the program’s future direction is uncertain. Riley has expressed a commitment to building a successful program at USC, but the lack of progress on the field has raised questions about his long-term prospects with the team.
Overall, the situation surrounding Riley’s potential departure from USC and move to UCF remains uncertain. The Knights are actively searching for a new head coach following Malzahn’s departure, but it is unclear if Riley will be the one to fill that role.
It is important to note that all information regarding the discussions between UCF and Riley is based on anonymous sources, and neither school has publicly confirmed any details about the coaching search.
