If you ask USC fans, Lincoln Riley‘s time in Los Angeles has been more of a roller coaster than a red carpet. In his first season, the Trojans went 11-3, landed in the Cotton Bowl, and QB Caleb Williams walked away with the Heisman Trophy. The city buzzed. But then can the hangover. The 2023 season was a deflating 8-5. And in 2024, things snagged even further to 7-6, with QB play looking more like a game of musical chairs than a steady helm. Yet, the HC’s bank account didn’t flinch. So what’s Lincoln Riley’s net worth in 2025?
What is Lincoln Riley’s net worth?
As of 2025, Lincoln Riley’s net worth hovers around $30 million. That figure isn’t just a reflection of his time at USC. His rise began at Oklahoma, where his six-year, $45 million contract averaged $4.8 million annually. That’s serious cash before NIL collectives and transfer portal madness turned the sport into the wild west.
NCAA, College League, USA Football: Notre Dame at Southern California Nov 30, 2024 Los Angeles, California, USA Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley leaves the field after the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Los Angeles United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum California USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xKirbyxLeex 20241130_tbs_al2_082
His real estate portfolio tells the same story of rapid ascent. In March 2022, Lincoln Riley dropped $17.2 million on a 13,000-square-foot mansion in Palos Verdes Estates, complete with seven bedrooms, twelve bathrooms, and three acres of coastal California prime land. Now, let’s talk about his contract.
Lincoln Riley’s Contract
When USC lured Lincoln Riley from Oklahoma in November 2021, reports pegged the deal at $110 million over 10 years, putting him in the upper echelon of college football’s highest-paid coaches. According to USA Today’s Steve Berkowitz, USC’s federal tax returns revealed the HC made a cool $11.5 million in 2023. That breaks down to $10.2 million in base compensation, a $100,000 bonus, and $1.15 million in “other reportable compensation.” And there’s still a $3.43 million housing loan on the books because California real estate waits for no man.
It’s the kind of paycheck that demands results. And in 2025, USC’s brass hopes Lincoln Riley’s roster reload, complete with a top transfer class and the No. 1 recruiting class for 2026 per 247Sports, finally aligns with his paycheck.
Lincoln Riley’s Salary
The private nature of USC’s contract terms has fueled rumors like private jet perks and real estate subsidies. But official details remain locked in the university vault. As far as public information goes, here’s a breakdown of Lincoln Riley’s salary at USC.
Lincoln Riley
Contract Duration – 10 years
Total Value: $110
Year
Salary
2025
$10.04
2024
$11.5
2023
$19.5
The $19.5 million spike in 2023 includes signing incentives and other one-off payments tied to his USC contract.
Lincoln Riley’s Career Earnings
Lincoln Riley’s bankability skyrocketed the moment Oklahoma handed him the keys in 2017, and it hit warp speed when USC made their pitch. Below is a table featuring his salaries as a HC across the two schools.
Year
Team
Total Earnings
2017
Oklahoma Sooners
$2.1
2018
Oklahoma Sooners
$4.8
2019
Oklahoma Sooners
$6.3
2020
Oklahoma Sooners
$6.2
2021
Oklahoma Sooners
$7.6
2022
USC Trojans
$19.5
2023
USC Trojans
$11.5
2024
USC Trojans
$10.04
Lincoln Riley’s Brand Endorsements
While Lincoln Riley is not as endorsement-heavy as some celebrity coaches, his market value remains prime territory should he decide to expand his portfolio.
Lincoln Riley’s Investments and Business Ventures
Lincoln Riley doesn’t really go out there launching barbecue sauce lines or sports podcasts. He has made strategic investments, most notably in high-end real estate. That Palos Verdes estate is both a lifestyle choice and a long-term asset in one of the most expensive zip codes in America.
Born in Lubbock, Texas, in 1983, Lincoln Riley played quarterback at Texas Tech in 2002 before diving into coaching under Mike Leach. His rise was quick with assistant roles at Texas Tech (2003–2009), offensive coordinator at East Carolina (2010–2014), and then Oklahoma’s offensive mastermind before taking over for Bob Stoops as HC in 2017. By the time USC called in 2021, he had two Big 12 titles and a Broyles Award to his name.
For all the talk of Lincoln Riley’s net worth and luxury lifestyle, the question now is simple. Will USC’s investment finally translate into playoff appearances? He’s got the salary, the house, the recruits and, in 2025, maybe the QB to make it happen. Because in college football, the scoreboard doesn’t care about your real estate portfolio.
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