Klatt Warns USC Firing Lincoln Riley Would Cost Over $100 Million
FOX Sports analyst Joel Klatt cautioned that a coaching change at USC would cost the program far more than Lincoln Riley's buyout alone, estimating the total price tag at $100 million to $120 million once staff buyouts, a new coaching hire and roster rebuilding are factored in. The comments came Saturday on "Big Noon Kickoff" amid growing frustration with Riley's program following a 41-27 loss to Oregon.
The defeat extended a difficult stretch for Riley, whose tenure at USC has drawn increasing scrutiny from fans and media. Former USC quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart, part of the same broadcast panel, said the program is "stuck in the mud with nowhere to go." Klatt argued the discontent extends beyond the scoreboard, pointing to a targeting penalty on USC safety Desman Stephens II during the Oregon game. Stephens was flagged after a hit that knocked Oregon quarterback Dante Moore out of the contest, and was seen celebrating with teammates while Moore received medical attention - a moment Klatt said reflected deeper cultural issues within the program. setka cup predictions
Klatt cited Penn State as a cautionary example, noting the Nittany Lions parted ways with James Franklin last season after reaching the College Football Playoff the year prior, only to suffer a 34-13 loss to Northwestern this season. He suggested USC risks a similar outcome if it moves on from Riley without a clear improvement in outcome. USC opened this season with the nation's No. 1-ranked recruiting class, according to Klatt, who named freshmen Luke Wafle, Kaden Dixon-Wyatt, Trent Mosley and tight end Mark Bowman as recruits other programs would target should Riley be dismissed. He said coaches including Dan Lanning, Ryan Day, Kirby Smart and Lane Kiffin would be positioned to pursue those players.
Klatt's overall assessment was skeptical of a coaching change improving USC's trajectory. "I don't think it actually makes them better going forward," he said. The debate over Riley's future is likely to intensify as USC continues Big Ten play, with the financial and roster implications Klatt outlined shaping how the administration weighs any potential decision.
