We all know Lincoln Riley: the head coach, the play-caller, the quarterback developer. But do you know how his work ethic was formed? How his father taught him that no detail is too small? Or why he’s savoring the small wins as he rebuilds USC?
If not, today’s episode of the Y-Option Podcast, presented by our founding partner 76, is the perfect listen.
I’ve been around college football for 25 years. As pressure mounts, revenue grows, and realignment dominates headlines, it’s easy to forget the human beings behind the programs - those who lead, call plays, and develop young athletes.
And when it comes to head coaches and quarterbacks, it’s easy to focus on salary, job title, or recruiting rankings. But the truth is always deeper.
Today’s conversation brings you into the “why” behind Lincoln Riley’s leadership - his upbringing in Muleshoe, Texas, the influence of Mike Leach, the lasting impact of his dear friend Dave Nichol and much more.
As a fellow small-town transplant drawn to the big-city lights, Lincoln and I talk about what it means to now call Los Angeles home and what he enjoys when he finds time off the field.
When I first started coaching at USC in 2005 under Pete Carroll, one of the most fascinating dynamics I noticed in L.A. was the tension between external vs. internal reality. Players are often told by the outside world that they’re elite, destined to dominate. Internally, though, they may be struggling - learning the playbook, adjusting to a demanding environment. That’s natural in a sport as developmental as football. But at USC, that disconnect can be amplified, especially in the current landscape of college football.
Coach Riley and I explored when he first noticed that, and how he helps his players deal with it and the lessons learned early on at USC.
Finally, we delve into his quarterback room. He’s coached a range of personalities, and there’s no single way to mold them. Think about it: from Baker to Kyler to Spencer to Caleb to Miller to the current room at USC. It’s full of such dynamic personalities and all so different. So I had to ask: How do you actually talk to that position?
If you’ve followed my podcast, you know my only rule: ask questions I don’t already know the answers to. And this episode taught me a lot - about Lincoln Riley the small-town kid with principled parents, Lincoln Riley the head coach at USC, and Lincoln Riley the human being.
I hope you enjoy getting to know him as much as I did.
Much love, and stay steady,
Yogi
Executive produced by Jim Thornby, field produced by McKenna Keil, filmed by Liam Brennan, edited by Victor Ren.
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