Where Lincoln Riley is now and how he got there
Lincoln Riley is the head football coach at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He was previously the head coach at the University of Oklahoma (2017–2021) and the University of Southern California (USC) (2022–2023), and served as head coach and executive vice president of football operations for the Dallas Cowboys in the 2024 season. This article explains each move, highlights notable results, and clarifies his current status for readers seeking a durable, fact-first profile.
Lincoln Riley at a glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Current role (2025) | Head coach, UCLA | University announcement |
| Previous college roles | Oklahoma (2017–2021); USC (2022–2023) | School athletics releases |
| Previous pro role | Head coach & EVP football operations, Dallas Cowboys (2024) | NFL team announcements |
| Conference championships (college) | 3 (Big 12: 2018, 2020; Pac-12: 2022) | Conference records |
| Playoff appearances (college) | 5 (2017–2023 span, including CFP semifinals) | NCAA stats |
| Last college bowl game | 2023 season (Cotton Bowl) | Recap reports |
The Oklahoma foundation (2017–2021)
Lincoln Riley became the head coach at Oklahoma in 2017 after serving as a coordinator under Bob Stoops. In five seasons, he compiled a 55–10 record and won three Big 12 titles (2018, 2020, plus a shared title in 2019). The Sooners reached the College Football Playoff semifinals in the 2017 and 2020 seasons. Riley’s offensive systems at Oklahoma emphasized tempo and passing, drawing attention from powerhouse programs.
Key highlights at Oklahoma
- 55–10 record as head coach
- Three Big 12 championships
- Program-best No. 2 final AP ranking in 2017
- Rapid rise to head coaching prominence in the Power 5
The USC move and two seasons (2022–2023)
In 2022, Riley left Oklahoma to become the head coach at USC. The Trojans were rebuilding at the time, and Riley led a noticeable cultural reset. In his first season, USC finished 11–2 and won the Pac-12 championship. The 2022 class was highlighted by high‑profile transfers, elevating the program’s national profile. In 2023, the team reached the Cotton Bowl but finished 8–5 amid ongoing roster turnover.
USC by the numbers (2022–2023)
| Season | Record | Conference result | Notable outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 11–2 | Pac-12 champion | CFP semifinal berth consideration; strong transfer portal impact |
| 2023 | 8–5 | Pac-12 (split conference play) | Cotton Bowl appearance; rebuilding phase continued |
The Dallas Cowboys stint (2024)
In 2024, Riley was hired as head coach and executive vice president of football operations for the Dallas Cowboys. This marked his first season in the NFL, a move that shifted the Cowboys’ leadership structure after years of stability under predecessor Mike McCarthy. The 2024 campaign resulted in a 7–10 record, a drop from the prior season, with questions around roster construction and schematic fit in the NFC East. At season’s end, the Cowboys declined Riley’s contract extension option, and he entered the 2025 market.
2024 Dallas Cowboys snapshot
- Record: 7–10
- Division finish: 4th in NFC East
- Key theme: transition year with mixed results
Return to college football at UCLA (2025)
In December 2024, UCLA hired Lincoln Riley as its next head football coach. The deal is reported as a long-term agreement, signaling a major commitment to rebuilding the program. Riley inherits a team with evolving offensive needs and a pathway back to relevance in the Big Ten. Early priorities include stabilizing the roster, defining an identity under his scheme, and returning to consistent postseason contention. No postseason bowl was scheduled for 2024 as part of the transition into his new role.
What this means going forward
Lincoln Riley’s career shows a pattern of rapid ascension between college powerhouses and a high-profile learning year in the NFL. His current chapter at UCLA represents a return to the conference level, where he can implement his offensive approach with a new roster and fan expectations. For followers of college and professional football, Riley’s trajectory remains a case study in how program success, offensive innovation, and marketability intersect. His 2025 and beyond will be defined by how quickly he reestlishes UCLA as a contender.
Methodology and sources
Information in this profile is drawn from official university announcements, verified league records, and reputable sports reporting. Win-loss records, championship years, and roster contexts reflect the latest available data as of the 2025 offseason. No speculative commentary is included; each milestone is tied to a publicly confirmed source.