Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports

New Details Emerge On Lincoln Riley's Massive Payout At USC

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By J.C. Shelton | Last updated May 16, 2025 6:21 PM ET

Tax return details show how much USC head coach Lincoln Riley made in his first full year as the Trojans' head coach.

Riley joined the historic program in 2022 after leading Oklahoma to four Big 12 championships in five seasons at the helm of the Sooners.

USC payed handsomely for Riley's surprising exit, signing him to a 10-year, $110 million deal that made him one of the highest-paid coaches in college football.

The Trojans got off to a hot start under Riley, winning 11 games and making the Rose Bowl. Star quarterback Caleb Williams also took home the Heisman Trophy, Riley's third Heisman winner in his coaching career.

USC hasn't been able to replicate that success over the last two seasons, posting a 15-11 combined record, including a 7-6 finish last season in the inaugural year in the Big Ten.

The school revealed to USA TODAY Sports on Thursday that Riley made $11.5 million in total compensation for the 2023 calendar year.

Riley's total compensation featured $10.2 million in base compensation with $100,000 as bonus and incentive compensation and nearly $1.15 million as "other reportable compensation."

In 2022, USC reported $19.7 million in total compensation for Riley, whose buyout at Oklahoma resulted in $4.5 million payed by the Trojans. Less than $10 million was categorized as base compensation.

Entering the 2025 season, Riley sits fourth among college football's highest-paid coaches with a $10.04 million expected salary.

The top two includes a pair of national championship winners in Georgia's Kirby Smart ($13.2 million) and Clemson's Dabo Swinney ($11.1 million). Texas' Steve Sarkisian, coming off back-to-back playoff appearances, sits third at $10.6 million.

Riley and the Trojans will open a pressure-filled 2025 season at home against Missouri State on Aug. 30.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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