A report has identified a Southeastern Conference head coach with a $12.5 million salary as the leading candidate to replace Lincoln Riley at the University of Southern California if the Trojans decide to make a change, according to Yahoo Sports.
Riley, who has led the USC Trojans since 2022, was photographed reacting during the team's game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium in Piscataway on September 19, 2026. The report surfaced on October 30, 2026, amid speculation about Riley's future with the program.
The SEC coach in question was not named in the initial report. USC has not commented on the speculation.
