“Lincoln is realizing just how difficult it is to actually build a winning program from the ground up, rather than following a legend. If it wasn’t clear early on, sitting here today at 4-5 in year three, it is now,” our source explained.

It seems that Riley fully intends to reprise his role as head coach, but only after someone else returns the USC program to its historically dominant form.

“He knows he can win, if he inherits a great situation, just like OU. So, he’s looking for any possible way to get USC back to that great situation so he can take things from there.”

Riley suggested that USC Athletic Director Jennifer Cohen reach out to former Oklahoma Sooners head coach Bob Stoops to gauge his interest in spelling the beleaguered coach in Los Angeles.