Paul Finebaum. © Shanna Lockwood-Imagn Images

Paul Finebaum Names Major College Football Coach Who Hasn't Lived Up to Expectations

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jaron Spor | Last updated May 13, 2025 11:00 AM ET

When a prominent coach takes over a new position, there are typically high expectations. This was true for several coaches who assumed command of major programs before the 2022 season.

Brent Venables took over at Oklahoma, Brian Kelly at LSU, Marcus Freeman at Notre Dame, Dan Lanning at Oregon, Mario Cristobal at Miami and Lincoln Riley at USC, all during that offseason. Of this group, only two coaches managed to reach the College Football Playoff: Lanning and Freeman. Notably, only Lanning has won his conference championship game.

Paul Finebaum discussed Lincoln Riley on his show, "The Paul Finebaum Show." He remarked that there were significant expectations for Riley when he took over at USC, but so far, he has not met those expectations.

"So much was expected, but so little has been offered in return," Finebaum said.

Riley took over a USC program that hadn't won 10 games since 2017 and was coming off a 4-8 season in 2021. In his first year, he led the Trojans to an 11-3 season, made it to the Pac-12 Championship Game, and helped quarterback Caleb Williams win the Heisman Trophy.

However, things have taken a turn since then. The Trojans entered the 2023 season with high expectations, as Williams returned as quarterback and the team was ranked No. 6 in the preseason. USC finished the season with an 8-5 record, losing five of its last seven games. While 2024 began positively with a win over LSU, the team ultimately went 7-6 that season.

Finebaum was particularly critical of Riley during the offseason, specifically targeting his ability to build a strong defense.

"It's been his inability to get the right fix for defense," Finebaum said. "People think he has it (now), but they also thought he had it a couple of years ago, and it didn't work out. I am quickly moving toward the opinion that he is a one-hit wonder."

Finebaum also expressing doubts about Riley's coaching during the season as well. He remarked that it was hard to imagine a coach performing worse than Riley has at USC.

Despite these challenges, Riley and USC may be at a turning point after two disappointing seasons. The Trojans currently boast the No. 1 recruiting class for 2026, with 28 commitments so far, more than any other team.

USC is set to open the season against Missouri State on August 30.

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

More must-reads: