Lincoln Riley’s future at USC has become one of the most-watched stories in college football. Between heavy buyout chatter, potential NFL interest, and donor impatience with mixed results, there’s growing curiosity about who could take over if he leaves. USC isn’t short on options, some are proven builders, others offer energy and name value, and a few are already on staff.
Below are the latest odds for who might be next in line to lead the Trojans, with breakdowns of the most realistic names and what each would bring to Los Angeles if USC and Riley part ways.
Who Will Be Next USC Head Coach Odds
| Coach | Current Role | Odds | Implied Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jedd Fisch | Washington HC | +250 | 28.6% |
| Lance Leipold | Kansas HC | +400 | 20.0% |
| D’Anton Lynn | USC DC | +500 | 16.7% |
| Glenn Schumann | Georgia DC | +700 | 12.5% |
| Will Stein | Oregon OC | +900 | 10.0% |
| Tosh Lupoi | Oregon DC | +1000 | 9.1% |
| Ryan Grubb | Alabama OC | +1200 | 7.7% |
| Brent Brennan | Arizona HC | +1400 | 6.7% |
| Kliff Kingsbury | Washington Commanders OC | +1800 | 5.3% |
| Deion Sanders | Colorado HC | +2500 | 3.8% |
Jedd Fisch (+250)
Fisch would bring immediate structure and direction. His programs win through organization and accountability. He builds around strong staff hires, elevates quarterbacks, and adjusts schemes to his personnel rather than forcing a system. That adaptability plays well in the transfer portal era.
At Washington and Arizona, his teams were disciplined, creative on offense, and balanced enough to win big games. He connects naturally with players and donors, which USC badly needs after years of instability. His approach would steady the Trojans quickly while keeping recruiting momentum alive.
Fisch doesn’t just run a modern offense; he runs a professional program. If USC wants competence over chaos, this is the safest external move they can make.
Lance Leipold (+400)
Leipold’s pitch is simple: grown-up football. His programs are physical, smart, and detail-driven. At Kansas, he rebuilt one of the toughest jobs in the country with patience and process, emphasizing offensive line development, tackling fundamentals, and special teams execution.
He’s not a flashy recruiter, but he identifies talent early and builds within his system. He uses the transfer portal strategically, avoiding the turnover chaos that sinks other rebuilds. That fits a USC team needing substance after years of volatility.
With Big Ten play looming large, Leipold’s trench-first mentality and calm sideline demeanor would be a strong fit. If the Trojans go for stability and efficiency, his name shoots near the top of the list.
D’Anton Lynn (+500)
Lynn offers continuity and a familiar voice. Promoting from within would keep the roster intact, maintain recruiting ties, and preserve the defensive progress made over the past season. Players respect him, and his SoCal ties give USC instant credibility on the trail.
He’s built a defense that finally communicates and adjusts, something the program lacked for years. His rise from UCLA to USC has been rapid, but he’s handled the spotlight well. The question is timing and readiness.
If Riley departs suddenly, Lynn is the cleanest short-term solution with genuine long-term upside. In-house continuity, low transition cost, and the ability to steady the locker room make him a natural option.
Kliff Kingsbury (+1800)
USC could chase style points again, and Kingsbury fits that narrative. His offensive design attracts quarterbacks and receivers instantly, making him a portal magnet overnight. He already knows the city, having spent 2023 as an offensive analyst for the Trojans before returning to the NFL.
His track record with quarterback development with players like Mahomes, Mayfield, and Murrays speaks for itself. The questions are defense and roster balance. Pairing him with a high-level defensive coordinator would be non-negotiable.
Kingsbury would excite boosters and recruits, but it’s a higher-risk hire that leans heavily on sizzle. Still, if USC wants a splash that brings attention and offensive fireworks, this is the one that moves headlines.
Deion Sanders (+2500)
“Coach Prime” is never just a coach, he’s a brand. His arrival would ignite NIL activity and energize the entire USC ecosystem overnight. He’s proven he can flip rosters quickly and draw national media coverage, something few coaches on this list can replicate.
Sanders’ leadership style would play well in Los Angeles, where confidence and visibility are important. He pushes players hard, and the transfer portal becomes his strongest weapon. The issue is structure, he’d need top-tier coordinators and personnel staff to manage the operation at a playoff-level program.
If USC’s administration wants a full-scale marketing and recruiting surge, Sanders delivers that instantly. It’s expensive and chaotic, but it would make the Trojans the most talked-about team in college football again.
