History of Lincoln Riley in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: September 27, 2025

Lincoln Riley is an American college football coach, currently the head coach for the USC Trojans. Before USC, he was the head coach at the University of Oklahoma for five seasons (2017-2021), achieving success by winning four consecutive Big 12 Championship Games. Riley is recognized for his offensive coaching prowess and his impact on college football programs.

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Full Timeline

September 5, 1983: Lincoln Riley's Birth

On September 5, 1983, Lincoln Michael Riley was born. He is now a college football coach and former player.

Others born on this day/year

2002: Played at Texas Tech

In 2002, Lincoln Riley played quarterback at Texas Tech University as a walk-on.

2003: Student Assistant

In 2003, Lincoln Riley became a student assistant to Mike Leach.

2006: Graduation from Texas Tech

In 2006, Lincoln Riley graduated from Texas Tech with a bachelor's degree in exercise and sports science.

January 12, 2015: Hired by Oklahoma

On January 12, 2015, Lincoln Riley was hired by Bob Stoops to be the offensive coordinator for the Oklahoma Sooners.

June 7, 2017: Named Head Coach

On June 7, 2017, Lincoln Riley was named the head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners after Bob Stoops retired.

2017: Head Coach at Oklahoma

In 2017, Lincoln Riley became the head coach at the University of Oklahoma.

2018: Lost Rose Bowl

In 2018, Lincoln Riley's Oklahoma Sooners lost the Rose Bowl to Georgia in double overtime.

2019: Big 12 Championship

In 2019, Lincoln Riley led OU to win the Big 12 Championship Game.

2020: Big 12 Championship

In 2020, Lincoln Riley led OU to win the Big 12 Championship Game.

November 28, 2021: Named Head Coach of USC Trojans

On November 28, 2021, Lincoln Riley was named the 30th head coach of the USC Trojans football program.

2021: Season eliminated for Big XII Championship Game

In 2021, the Sooners were eliminated from contention for the Big XII Championship Game

2021: Riley's Final Season at Oklahoma

In 2021, the Sooners were eliminated from contention for the Big XII Championship Game, marking Lincoln Riley's final season at Oklahoma before moving to USC.