Lincoln Riley’s decision to hire D’Anton Lynn was not just a coaching change—it was a philosophical shift for the USC football program
After years of leaning heavily on offensive firepower, the Trojans are now aiming for balance, discipline, and consistency.
The road ahead won’t be easy, but the signs point to real, lasting improvement. Riley’s confidence in Lynn is more than coachspeak—it’s a reflection of what he’s seen behind the scenes: players buying in, results on the practice field, and a growing sense of belief.
With the pieces in place, all that remains is to turn that belief into wins. If they do, the 2025 season could be a turning point—not just for USC’s defense, but for the entire program.
Paul Finebaum’s comments about Lincoln Riley have brought a harsh spotlight to a situation that was already teetering on the edge.
USC remains one of the most storied programs in college football, with a rich history, massive resources, and an unmatched location. The ingredients for success are all there.
But without the right leader, all that potential means nothing.
The 2025 season will be pivotal. Lincoln Riley is either going to quiet the doubters and lead USC into a new era of dominance—or confirm the suspicions of critics like Finebaum. The pressure is on, and the college football world will be watching.
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Table of Contents
Lincoln Riley’s Arrival at USC
A Hype-Fueled Beginning
When Lincoln Riley left Oklahoma to become the head coach at USC in late 2021, it was heralded as a power move.1
Riley brought with him a reputation for offensive brilliance, a knack for developing Heisman-caliber quarterbacks, and a proven track record in the Big 12. USC fans believed they had finally found the right coach to lead them back to national relevance.
Riley’s first season in 2022 seemed to confirm that belief. The Trojans finished with an 11-3 record and narrowly missed a College Football Playoff berth.
Quarterback Caleb Williams won the Heisman Trophy, and USC appeared poised for a return to greatness. But the cracks in the foundation were already forming.
Defensive Woes and Unmet Expectations
- One of the most glaring issues throughout Riley’s USC tenure has been the defense. Even during the successful 2022 campaign, the Trojans struggled to stop opponents.
- Defensive coordinator Alex Grinch, Riley’s long-time assistant, came under fire repeatedly for his unit’s poor performance.
- Those defensive problems only worsened in 2023 and 2024. Despite boasting a talented roster, USC couldn’t compete at the highest level, finishing with a combined record of 15-11 over those two seasons.
- The team’s inability to close out games, defend in the fourth quarter, or handle elite competition raised questions about Riley’s overall team management.
- In the ultra-competitive landscape of college football, especially with USC entering the Big Ten in 2024, those flaws became even more pronounced.
- Instead of competing with the likes of Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State, USC faltered, turning what should have been a triumphant entry into the Big Ten into a disappointment.
Finebaum’s Brutal Assessment: “A Fraud as Their Coach”
Paul Finebaum’s most recent commentary on Riley pulled no punches. When asked whether USC could return to the top tier of college football, Finebaum expressed measured optimism about the school’s potential but blamed the coach for their underachievement.
“I do believe USC is capable because there is so much to offer there,” Finebaum said. “They just happen to have a fraud as their coach.”
This comment ignited heated responses on social media and sports talk shows. Supporters of Riley accused Finebaum of being overly harsh, while critics praised the analyst for speaking a truth they believe has long been overlooked.
Finebaum’s choice of the word “fraud” speaks volumes. It suggests that Riley has not only failed to meet expectations but that he may have been overrated from the start. Whether or not that’s a fair assessment, it’s clear that Riley’s reputation has taken a major hit over the past two years.
Is Lincoln Riley on the Hot Seat in 2025?
As USC prepares for its second season in the Big Ten, Riley’s job security is under intense scrutiny.2
While athletic director Jennifer Cohen has publicly supported the coach, there’s no denying that pressure is mounting. The 2025 season will be pivotal not just for Riley’s future at USC but for the direction of the entire program.
Should USC falter again—especially with a relatively soft schedule compared to other Big Ten heavyweights—it’s hard to imagine the administration continuing to justify his tenure. Boosters, alumni, and fans are eager for results, not just potential.
Riley’s contract, reportedly worth more than $100 million, adds another layer of complexity. While USC has deep pockets, firing Riley would come with a massive buyout.
Still, in the modern college football arms race, such financial burdens rarely stop programs from making a change if they believe it’s necessary.
Happy Easter! pic.twitter.com/eDR89q2roX
— Lincoln Riley (@LincolnRiley) April 20, 2025
The Caleb Williams Effect: Masking Deeper Problems?
Caleb Williams was a generational talent who helped Riley look better than perhaps he deserved.
During the 2022 season, Williams’ playmaking ability masked the Trojans’ defensive shortcomings and poor in-game adjustments. But once he left for the NFL, USC’s flaws became more visible.
Without a transcendent quarterback to bail them out, the Trojans struggled to move the ball consistently and protect leads.
This exposed questions about Riley’s adaptability, game management, and recruiting on the defensive side of the ball.
The reliance on Williams highlighted an uncomfortable truth: Riley’s system works best with elite talent under center.
When that talent isn’t present—or when opponents figure out how to neutralize it—there’s little evidence of a “Plan B.”
Lincoln Riley: Recruiting and Transfer Portal
Short-Term Gains, Long-Term Risks
Riley has been active in the transfer portal, bringing in high-profile players like Jordan Addison and Bear Alexander.3
While these moves generated headlines, they also raised concerns about long-term stability and team chemistry.
USC’s high reliance on transfers may have hurt player development and disrupted continuity. Unlike programs like Georgia or Michigan that rely on building rosters over time, USC under Riley has often opted for quick fixes.
That strategy hasn’t paid off in sustained success, and as the novelty wears off, it’s becoming clear that a more foundational approach might be needed.
The Big Ten Challenge: No More Room for Excuses
The jump to the Big Ten brought not only a new level of competition but also new challenges in travel, weather, and physicality. Riley’s teams, historically built for finesse and speed, struggled with the rugged style of the Midwest and Northeast.
Programs like Wisconsin and Iowa exposed USC’s lack of toughness in the trenches. Riley’s offensive schemes, which thrived in the Big 12, have not translated well to the defensive juggernauts of the Big Ten.
If USC is to succeed in this new environment, a cultural and strategic shift is necessary.
Can Riley Rebuild His Reputation?
Despite the criticism, it’s worth noting that Lincoln Riley is still relatively young and talented. He has time to learn, adapt, and prove his doubters wrong. Whether he will—or even can—remains the pressing question.
The upcoming 2025 season will be a litmus test. A bounce-back campaign that includes a Big Ten title game appearance or a major bowl win could silence his critics. On the other hand, another season of mediocrity could be the final straw.
If Riley wants to reshape his narrative, he’ll need to start by fixing USC’s defense, developing depth at key positions, and showing that he can compete consistently with top-tier programs.
Only then can he shed the “fraud” label and reclaim his status as one of college football’s elite coaches.
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Lincoln Riley Expresses Confidence in D’Anton Lynn’s Defensive Scheme
USC head coach Lincoln Riley has made it clear that the time for excuses is over when it comes to the Trojans’ defense.
After two seasons plagued by underwhelming defensive performances, Riley took decisive action by parting ways with former defensive coordinator Alex Grinch and hiring D’Anton Lynn in early 2024.
As USC prepares for the 2025 season, Riley’s confidence in Lynn’s system—and its potential to bring real results—is palpable.
A Defense in Crisis: The Fallout of 2023
The 2023 season ended in disappointment for USC, despite boasting one of the nation’s most explosive offenses led by Heisman-winning quarterback Caleb Williams.
What ultimately held the team back was a porous defense that struggled mightily in high-pressure situations.
Under Alex Grinch, the Trojans consistently failed to contain elite offenses, giving up large yardage totals and allowing late-game collapses that resulted in close losses.
It became clear that a change was needed—not just in personnel, but in the entire philosophy of the defense.
The Arrival of D’Anton Lynn: A Strategic Shift
Lincoln Riley’s decision to hire D’Anton Lynn was met with curiosity and optimism.
Lynn, who had previously served as defensive coordinator at UCLA, brought with him a reputation for installing aggressive and disciplined defensive systems.
At UCLA, Lynn’s defense ranked among the top in several categories, and he quickly became known for his ability to adapt schemes based on opponent tendencies.
That adaptability, along with a focus on fundamentals and consistent effort, made him an appealing candidate for USC’s defensive overhaul.
Year One Under Lynn: Encouraging Signs
D’Anton Lynn’s first year with the Trojans in 2024 showed measurable progress. USC’s defense displayed better gap discipline, improved tackling, and a more cohesive secondary unit.
Players responded well to Lynn’s approach, and the statistical improvements supported that narrative.
However, one critical flaw remained: closing out games. Despite stronger overall performances, USC suffered multiple one-score losses, largely due to defensive breakdowns in the fourth quarter.
While frustrating, Riley viewed these moments not as fatal flaws, but as teachable opportunities.
Lincoln Riley’s Faith: Confidence Built Over Time
In a recent interview on Always College Football with Greg McElroy, Riley expressed his belief that Lynn’s system is finally gaining traction.
“In Year 2, we got two reasons to be very optimistic,” Riley said. “One is exactly what you said. The schemes, it’s not new install.”
This point is significant. In 2024, the Trojans were learning on the fly—grappling with new terminology, assignments, and techniques. Now, with a full season under their belts, the players are no longer just reacting—they’re executing with confidence and purpose.
A Culture Shift: Building a Defensive Identity
Riley emphasized more than just schematic understanding. He highlighted a larger cultural shift within the program.
“There’s a confidence that’s been built up systematically here that I think is important… just the mentality and the way that you play and the expectations and the standard defensively at USC.”
This quote reflects a broader ambition: turning USC into a team that wins not just with flash and speed on offense but with grit and determination on defense. Building that identity takes time, but Lynn’s leadership has laid the foundation.
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Offseason Improvements: Strengthening the Roster
To support Lynn’s vision, USC made several key moves in the offseason. They brought in experienced linebackers through the transfer portal, added depth to the defensive line, and recruited high-IQ defensive backs to shore up the secondary.
These personnel additions were not just talent grabs—they were strategic fits for Lynn’s aggressive 4-2-5 system.
Speed at the linebacker position and versatile safeties capable of switching between man and zone coverage are essential to making the scheme work.
Player Development: Lynn’s Biggest Strength
- Another reason for optimism is Lynn’s track record in player development.
- During his time at UCLA and in the NFL, he showed an uncanny ability to elevate the performance of young players and put them in positions to succeed.
- USC’s defensive roster is brimming with underclassmen who showed flashes of brilliance in 2024.
- Players like edge rusher Elijah Hughes and cornerback Domani Jackson made key plays throughout the season, and with another year under Lynn’s system, they are expected to take significant steps forward.
- Coaching chemistry is often overlooked, but it’s critical to a program’s success. Riley and Lynn appear to be on the same page philosophically.
- While Riley is known for his offensive genius, he respects Lynn’s autonomy on the defensive side and trusts his approach.
- This hands-off yet supportive relationship allows Lynn the freedom to innovate while keeping the broader team goals in focus.
- Their alignment could be the key to achieving the balance that USC has lacked in recent years.
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