ESPN’s Paul Finebaum Believes Sooners Better Off Without Lincoln Riley

ESPN’s Paul Finebaum unloaded a scathing critique of USC coach Lincoln Riley during an appearance on the Dari Nowkhah Show, and he’s eager for Riley to account for his recent struggles.

Finebaum didn’t mince words: “The thing I’m most excited about Big Ten Media Days is I want to hear Lincoln Riley try to explain his last two years, because I can’t think of anybody whose coaching has been more fraudulent since his first year with Caleb Williams.”

Finebaum admitted he once supported Riley’s offensive brilliance but said recent seasons haven’t lived up to the promise. “I didn’t admire the way he left [Oklahoma],” he said, “but I frankly believe that Sooner Nation is better off today than it would have been had he stayed around.”

Finebaum paused for emphasis before delivering the final verdict, “I am underwhelmed, and I can’t think of a coach in modern time who’s making the kind of money that he’s making, who has done less.”

At the heart of Finebaum’s criticism is a perception that Riley’s early heroics, coaching a Heisman-winning quarterback who went on to be selected No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft, have been overshadowed by mediocrity at USC. The Trojans have stumbled through two underwhelming seasons and now face amplified scrutiny as they head into Big Ten competition.

Finebaum’s challenge isn’t just rhetorical. He’s staking a claim: that Riley must justify high salaries and expectations with improved results. And with his appearance looming at Big Ten Media Days, the spotlight is about to get even hotter.

Is Riley ready to confront Finebaum’s barbs head-on? Expect that moment, fraudulent or not, to define his next chapter in Los Angeles.