Joel Klatt: Moving On From Lincoln Riley Could Cost USC $100-120 Million

USC’s 41-27 loss to Oregon has cranked up calls to replace Lincoln Riley — even ex-Trojan Matt Leinart says the program feels “stuck in the mud.”
Critics argue it’s about more than X’s and O’s: a targeting hit by safety Desman Stephens and his celebration raised broader concerns about USC’s culture.
Analysts warn a coaching change would be hugely costly (Joel Klatt estimates $100–$120M) and could put USC’s top-ranked freshman class at risk — a cautionary parallel to Penn State’s recent struggles.