The University of Central Florida (UCF) has reportedly reached out to representatives of USC coach Lincoln Riley as part of its search for a new head football coach to replace Gus Malzahn. According to sources familiar with the discussions, no clear indication has been given that Riley is considering the move, nor has UCF received signals of interest from his camp.
Currently in the third season of a 10-year contract with USC, Riley earns an estimated $10 million annually. His agreement, which is not publicly disclosed due to USC’s status as a private institution, would likely involve substantial financial hurdles for any program attempting to lure him away. Industry estimates suggest it would cost USC approximately $90 million to part ways with Riley prematurely, though he would owe the school nothing if he chose to leave voluntarily.
Sources revealed that UCF made contact with Riley’s representatives last weekend to gauge his willingness to relocate. While Riley’s potential departure would require significant negotiations to offset financial discrepancies between his existing contract and UCF’s resources, insiders confirmed that no progress has been made in this regard.
Meanwhile, UCF continues to assess other candidates for the position. Malzahn, who left after four seasons to join Florida State as offensive coordinator, earned around $4 million in 2024—a figure that pales in comparison to Riley’s current salary package. Additionally, UCF’s move to the Big 12 Conference has resulted in limited financial flexibility, as the school is still receiving a partial share of league revenues. Full revenue shares, expected to double current figures, will not take effect until the 2025-26 fiscal year.
Riley’s tenure at USC, which began in 2021 after a high-profile departure from Oklahoma, has been marked by mixed results. His arrival generated significant excitement, bringing with him a reputation for developing Heisman-winning quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray. Riley’s inaugural season in Los Angeles saw USC finish 11-3, buoyed by quarterback Caleb Williams, who followed him from Oklahoma and claimed the Heisman Trophy.
However, subsequent seasons have seen diminishing returns. USC finished 8-5 in 2023, its final season in the Pac-12, and ended the 2024 regular season with a 6-6 record in its Big Ten debut. The downward trend has raised questions about Riley’s ability to maintain USC’s competitive standing. Recruiting efforts have fallen short of expectations, and the program’s trajectory remains unclear.
The uncertainty is further compounded by leadership changes within USC’s athletic department. Riley was initially brought to Los Angeles under the stewardship of then-athletic director Mike Bohn, who resigned in 2023 amid controversy. President Carol Folt, who played a key role in hiring Riley, is set to retire next summer. The current athletic director, Jen Cohen, inherited Riley’s contract upon her appointment in August 2023.
Cohen now faces the challenge of managing a football program that has underperformed relative to its hefty investment in Riley. Although parallels can be drawn with her handling of USC’s men’s basketball program earlier this year—where a coaching transition was successfully navigated—it remains unclear whether similar solutions could apply to Riley’s situation.
Riley has consistently expressed a long-term vision for USC, emphasizing that building a championship-caliber program requires time and institutional support. However, ongoing struggles on the field, coupled with the program’s apparent lack of direction, have fueled speculation about Riley’s future with the Trojans.
As UCF continues its search for Malzahn’s successor, the prospect of securing a high-profile coach like Riley remains uncertain. Whether UCF can navigate the financial and logistical challenges of such a move or find a more feasible candidate will shape the next chapter for both programs.
