Lincoln Michael Riley born September 5, 1983 is an American college football coach and former player, currently serving as the head coach of the USC Trojans football team at the University of Southern California. Prior to joining USC, Riley was the head coach at the University of Oklahoma from 2017 to 2021, where he led the team to four consecutive Big 12 Championship titles.
Lincoln Riley Biography 2024
Riley, who played quarterback as a walk-on at Texas Tech, is renowned for his “Air Raid” offensive system. Over the course of his coaching career, he has mentored three Heisman Trophy-winning quarterbacks—Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Caleb Williams and helped develop Jalen Hurts, who became an NFL starting quarterback. In five seasons as a head coach, Riley has produced more than 28 draft picks, including five first-round selections. However, his record in postseason bowl games stands at 2–4, with a 0–3 mark in the College Football Playoff.
Lincoln Riley Biography Details
| Title | Head coach |
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| Team | USC |
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| Conference | Big Ten |
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| Record | 25–13 |
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| Born | September 5, 1983 (age 41)
Muleshoe, Texas, U.S. |
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| 2002 | Texas Tech |
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| Position(s) | Quarterback |
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Lincoln Riley Early Life
Lincoln Michael Riley is an American college football coach and former player, currently serving as the head coach of the USC Trojans football program at the University of Southern California. Born on September 5, 1983, in Lubbock, Texas, Riley has established himself as one of the most innovative minds in college football. He has been the head coach of the USC Trojans since 2021, following a successful tenure at the University of Oklahoma, where he led the Sooners to multiple Big 12 Championship titles.
Riley attended Texas Tech University from 2002 to 2006, where he played as a quarterback. He is married to Caitlin Buckley, whom he wed in 2007, and they have a daughter named Sloan Riley. His parents, Marilyn and Mike Riley, have been influential in his life and career, with his father also being involved in football.
Coaching Career Overview
Category | Details |
Total Head Coaching Record | 80–23 |
College Team | USC Trojans |
Conference | Big Ten |
Record at USC | 25–13 |
Previous Team | Oklahoma Sooners |
Coaching Awards | Broyles Award (2015), Big 12 Coach of the Year (2018) |
Bowl Record | 2–4 |
College Football Playoff Record | 0–3 |
Coaching Positions Held
Year | Position | Team |
2003–2005 | Student Assistant | Texas Tech |
2006 | Graduate Assistant | Texas Tech |
2007 | Wide Receiver Coach | Texas Tech |
2008–2009 | Inside Wide Receiver Coach | Texas Tech |
2010–2013 | Offensive Coordinator / Quarterbacks Coach | East Carolina |
2014 | Assistant Head Coach / Offensive Coordinator / Quarterbacks Coach | East Carolina |
2015–2016 | Offensive Coordinator / Quarterbacks Coach | Oklahoma |
2017–2021 | Head Coach | Oklahoma |
2022–Present | Head Coach | USC |
Coaching Achievements at Oklahoma
Category | Achievement |
Big 12 Championships | 4 (2017–2020) |
Broyles Award | 2015 |
Heisman Winners | Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray |
College Football Playoff Appearances | 1 (2017) |
NFL Draft Picks | 28 |
USC Tenure Overview
Year | Record | Ranking at End of Season |
2022 | 11–3 | #4 |
2023 | 10–4 | #8 |
2024 | TBD | TBD |
Personal Life
Category | Information |
Birthdate | September 5, 1983 |
Birthplace | Muleshoe, Texas |
Family | Wife: Caitlin Buckley; Children: 2 daughters |
Education | Texas Tech University (2006) |
Siblings | Brother: Garrett Riley (Offensive Coordinator at Clemson) |
Coaching Influence | Mike Leach, Bob Stoops |
Playing Career at Texas Tech
Year | Position | Team |
2002 | Quarterback | Texas Tech |
2003 | Quarterback | Texas Tech |
USC Football Program Achievements
Category | Achievement |
First Season Record | 11–3 |
Major Games | Pac-12 Championship Game, Cotton Bowl |
Notable Losses | To Utah, Tulane |
Key Player Development | Caleb Williams (Heisman Winner) |
Impact on College Football
Category | Achievement |
Offensive System | Air Raid |
Heisman Winners | 3 (Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, Caleb Williams) |
NFL Impact | 4 First-Round Draft Picks |
Draft Picks | Over 28 |
Postseason Record
Category | Record |
Bowl Games | 2–4 |
College Football Playoffs | 0–3 |
Bowl Appearances | 6 |
Major Bowl Games | Rose Bowl, Cotton Bowl |
Riley’s Coaching Philosophy
Category | Focus |
Offensive Scheme | Air Raid |
Player Development | Quarterback-centric |
Leadership | Team building and culture |
Coaching Approach | Innovative, player empowerment |
Family Legacy
Category | Details |
Father | Mike Riley (former coach) |
Mother | Marilyn Riley |
Siblings | Garrett Riley (Clemson Offensive Coordinator) |
Children | Sloan Riley, Two daughters |
Key Moments in Career
Category | Moment |
Broyles Award | 2015, Best Assistant Coach |
Oklahoma Departure | Moved to USC in 2021 |
USC Impact | 2022 USC turnaround, top 5 finish |
Big 12 Titles | 4 consecutive Big 12 titles (2017–2020) |
Coaching Record by Season
Year | Team | Record | Notable Achievements |
2017 | Oklahoma | 12–2 | Big 12 Champions |
2018 | Oklahoma | 12–2 | Big 12 Champions, CFP Semifinals |
2019 | Oklahoma | 12–2 | Big 12 Champions |
2020 | Oklahoma | 9–2 | Big 12 Champions |
2022 | USC | 11–3 | Pac-12 Championship Game |
2023 | USC | 10–4 | Cotton Bowl |
USC 2022 Season Highlights
Category | Achievement |
Record | 11–3 |
Pac-12 Finish | Runner-up |
Key Losses | Utah (twice) |
Key Win | 45–42 victory over UCLA |
Riley Coaching Style
Category | Approach |
Offensive Focus | Fast-paced, pass-heavy offense |
Quarterback Development | Intensive focus on QB skills |
Team Leadership | Creating a winning culture |
Tactical Strategy | Adaptable game plans |
USC Football Under Riley
Year | Key Player | Notable Performance |
2022 | Caleb Williams | Heisman Trophy Winner |
2023 | Caleb Williams | Top 5 Draft Pick Prediction |
2024 | TBD | Early Success in Pac-12 |
Lincoln Riley Net Worth
Lincoln Riley’s net worth is estimated to be about $30 million.
Lincoln Riley Summary
Lincoln Riley is a highly successful football coach who has brought significant attention to both Oklahoma and USC football. Known for his dynamic offensive schemes, especially the “Air Raid,” Riley has coached multiple Heisman-winning quarterbacks and guided his teams to four consecutive Big 12 championships. Despite challenges in the postseason, Riley’s coaching expertise and success in developing top-tier talent have solidified his place as one of the top coaches in college football. At USC, he aims to elevate the program to new heights while continuing his legacy of quarterback development.
