A report has identified a Southeastern Conference head coach with a $12.5 million salary as the most likely candidate to replace Lincoln Riley should the University of Southern California decide to part ways with its current football coach.
The speculation comes as Riley faces increased pressure following the Trojans' loss to Rutgers on September 19, 2026, at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey. USC's performance this season has fueled discussions about the program's direction.
The unnamed SEC coach, whose contract ranks among the highest in the conference, has not been publicly linked to the USC job by either university. Neither USC nor the coach's current school have commented on the report.
