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 2025
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.
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Lincoln Riley Biography Details
Title
Head coach
Team
USC
Conference
Big Ten
Record
25–13
Born
September 5, 1983 (age 41)
Muleshoe, Texas, U.S.
2002
Texas Tech
Position(s)
Quarterback
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
2025
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
2025
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.
