Lincoln Riley shocked the college football world after leaving OU to coach USC less than 24 hours after losing Bedlam to Oklahoma State.
Many wondered why he would leave such a great job and why he would do it this way, and we now might have an answer.
According to The Athletic, it was all because Lincoln didn’t want to coach in the SEC because that would make his job a lot harder.
There were already reports that Lincoln didn’t want to go to the SEC because of how much tougher it would be, and that seems to be the consensus now. It is speculation, and only Lincoln really knows why he left, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if that were the reason because who would want to make their job harder?
At the end of the day, he left for an easier job that could also be “better,” The job happens to pay him more with amazing perks, and he will live in a “better” place, and I think everyone can understand that.
He probably could have done it in a better way, but is there a good way to leave an ex?
The cash didn’t hurt as well.
There are reports Riley will be making close to $15 million a year, and other reports say that USC is buying him a house in Malibu for his family. They are also taking care of his $4.5 million buyout from Oklahoma. So, he is going to be pretty set out here on the West Coast. The Pac-12 is not a walk over conference, but at least you aren’t dealing with Bama and Georgia every year.
Do you think this was a smart move from Riley, or will he regret it in a few years if he doesn’t turn USC into a championship contender?
Flip the page for more of the reasons why Riley left OU.