Riley opens up about leaving Oklahoma for USC: 'Life throws you curveballs'
USC head coach Lincoln Riley explained the reasons behind his stunning departure from Oklahoma last year in an open letter The Players' Tribune published on Wednesday.
"As much as my family and I loved Norman and cherished the success we were having on the field, sometimes life throws you curveballs at the most unexpected times," Riley wrote.
"Honestly, I always figured I would end my coaching career at OU. But when my agent called me to pass along interest from USC, I was immediately intrigued by the possibilities.
"Everything that happened next was a blur: I jumped on a Zoom with USC officials, I informed (Oklahoma) athletic director Joe Castiglione of my decision, and then, in one of the most difficult moments of my life and career, I stood in front of our Oklahoma team to let them know that I was leaving. I saw the immediate consequences of my decision on the faces of our players."
Riley helped the Sooners become one of the nation's top teams while on the sideline, posting a 55-10 record over four-plus seasons with the program and winning four straight Big 12 titles.
The 38-year-old left Oklahoma in November one day after a 37-33 loss to Oklahoma State. He was in the second season of a six-year deal he previously signed in June 2020.
"I really hated the timing because our team was coming off a gut-wrenching loss, but with the recent rule changes in college football impacting the recruiting cycle, it certainly affected the timeline and made a difficult transition even tougher," he added.
Riley's departure prompted several players to transfer from Oklahoma, including star quarterback Caleb Williams, who reunited with the head coach at USC.
"Since my move, many have asked me why I would leave Oklahoma, and the best - and most honest - answer is that the opportunity at USC was simply the right job at the right time for me and for my family," Riley wrote.
"We all have moments in life where we are faced with difficult choices, and this was the path my family and I chose. I don't expect everyone to understand; in my line of work, that's not possible."