USC coach Lincoln Riley faces criticism over team accountability
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 22, 2026, 2:48 PM
Last updated Aug 22, 2026
Lincoln Riley enters the 2026 season amid growing dissatisfaction from USC fans regarding accountability within the team. Despite a strong career record of 90-28, including a 35-18 mark at USC, Riley has not led the Trojans to a College Football Playoff appearance. Critics argue that he has not demanded enough physical play from his defenses and has displayed loyalty to underperforming staff members, particularly in defensive coaching. With considerable talent at his disposal, Riley faces pressure to produce results this season.
- •Lincoln Riley is 0-3 in College Football Playoff games.
- •USC fans criticize perceived lack of player accountability.
- •Riley's coaching choices have led to frustrations within the fanbase.
- •The Trojans seek their first CFP appearance amid rising expectations.
- 2:48 PMYahoo Sports — USC's No. 1 complaint for their head coach? A lack of accountability
"Lincoln Riley has proven to be a winng college football coach but those wins haven't led to a USC CFP appearance.
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