Paul Finebaum is known for speaking his mind about college football. He didn’t hold back on his thoughts about Lincoln Riley and the job that he has done at USC.
Paul Finebaum didn't hold back when discussing Lincoln Riley's 2023 coaching performance😳
“I don’t know if I’ve seen a worse coaching job by anyone than Lincoln Riley this year. It’s a complete disaster.
And, quite frankly, he ‘ought to pack up. I don’t really see what his… pic.twitter.com/qwA2jVyIIc
— On3 (@On3sports) November 20, 2023
Paul Finebaum Rips Lincoln Riley
Finebaum went on an epic tirade where he questioned how good of a coach Riley is seeing as he had Caleb Williams and couldn’t put together a competitive team.
“I don’t know if I’ve seen a worse coaching job by anyone than Lincoln Riley this year. It’s a complete disaster. And, quite frankly, he ‘ought to pack up. I don’t really see what his path is moving forward. Blamed everything on Alex Grinch. They haven’t been any better – they’ve been worse.
Well maybe, Lincoln, you ‘ought to look in the mirror? Maybe you’re just a total fraud as a coach? Maybe you just lived off of a couple of Heisman winners? What Oklahoma did for you? All the people in Oklahoma who were heartbroken two years ago who never thought that they’d get over that blowoff?
They’re over it now. Lincoln Riley is nowhere near the coach that we all collectively tried to make him out to be. Have you ever seen a college season ruined more than what Lincoln Riley did for Caleb Williams? I said this a year ago that I thought it was really a shame that Bryce Young had such a terrible final year – he lost two games. I mean you have a generational quarterback and you finish 7-5?”
Fair Criticism
Riley was supposed to put USC back on the map. With Williams coming back for another year, the expectation was that he would have them in the College Football Playoff conversation. Instead, they sit at 7-5 with a lot of questions as they make the move to the Big Ten. The defense was horrendous and even the offense at times was only successful due to Willaims’ magic. There will be increased pressure on Riley to win next season.
Paul Finebaum thinks that Riley should be on the hot seat. While I don’t think he is at risk this season, if they struggle again the seat could get a little warmer.