USC football relationship an 'unhappy marriage'
USA Today • • sports
Key Points:
- The relationship between Lincoln Riley and USC football is described as "an unhappy marriage," with insiders expressing doubts about the fit following a poor loss to unranked Wisconsin.
- USC faces a challenging schedule ahead, including a critical game against No. 2 Ohio State and a trip to face defending national champion Indiana, heightening pressure on the program.
- Firing Riley would cost USC approximately $57 million, but a contract clause waives this buyout if Riley chooses to leave after the athletic director who hired him was dismissed.
- Some insiders believe a mutual parting might be the best outcome for both Riley and USC, given the current struggles and uncertainty.
- USC's 6-2 record and recent underwhelming seasons have put its College Football Playoff hopes at risk, following a promising 11-3 start in Riley's first year.
