Since assuming the role of head coach for the USC Trojans, Lincoln Riley has been under immense pressure to deliver results. Despite his remarkable achievements in his previous position—where he boasted an impressive record of 55-10, clinched four Big 12 titles, and made three College Football Playoff appearances in just five seasons—Riley has yet to lead USC to a national championship.

The anticipation surrounding Riley’s arrival fueled hopes among fans that he would bring an end to USC’s Natty drought. Instead, the Trojans have encountered obstacles, and their performance has failed to meet expectations under Riley’s guidance. In many ways, Ryan Day embodies the qualities that people often attribute to Lincoln Riley, but with a track record of success in a notably tougher conference. While Day is not without his shortcomings, particularly known to Ohio State fans, this discussion isn’t the appropriate platform to delve into those details. ESPN’s Arron Murray recently weighed in on the same, making some distinctive observations ahead of the 2024 season. 

“Hasn’t proven to me”: Arron Murray on Lincoln Riley

On his recent appearance on ESPN’s The Volume, analyst Arron Murray discussed the probability of Lincoln Riley making it to the College Football Playoffs this upcoming season. Murray is of the opinion that Riley will most likely repeat history since “Lincoln hasn’t proven to me that he can put together a championship defense to go along with the offense.” Meanwhile, Ohio State’s Ryan Day has far surpassed expectations. “He went out there and he’s created one of the best defenses in the country,” Murray opined, before concluding that his revamped roster can make it to the “peak this year.” 

The last time USC claimed a national championship was in 2004, during the tenure of Pete Carroll. While Riley’s coaching excellence is widely acknowledged, winning a national title requires a complex blend of talent, strategic prowess, and fortuitous circumstances. Riley has engaged in roster revamping ahead of the season, but his approach to perfecting the defensive line is questionable. By assembling a team of coaches eager to make their mark, he may have set the stage for success, as they’re all invested in making it work. However, this approach also risks instability, requiring a reset if successful. In contrast, Day’s method of hiring a seasoned defensive expert with a clear chain of command has paid off. While Day’s success hinges on fixing the offense for a potential championship, Riley’s staff seems like a diverse ensemble with uncertain cohesion, especially as USC enters the Big Ten in 2024.  

Ryan Day beats Lincoln Riley at roster revamp

While widely acknowledged as a great coach, underachievement has marred Lincoln Riley’s tenure. Despite coaching notable talents like Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, Jalen Hurts, and Caleb Williams, he has yet to secure a championship since departing the Big 12. Day, much like Riley, faced criticism for not maximizing the potential of his star quarterbacks due to defensive shortcomings. Despite the hype surrounding Williams, a Heisman winner and top prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft, Riley couldn’t capitalize on his talents. Despite a strong start in 2023, USC’s season unraveled, culminating in a disappointing 8-5 record and a late-season collapse. A significant factor in this decline was Riley’s decision to retain Alex Grinch as defensive coordinator, contributing to the team’s defensive struggles.

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However, Day shines as a model for Riley in his response to adversity. After facing setbacks, Day took decisive action by hiring Jim Knowles, renowned for his defensive excellence, and Tim Walton, a top defensive recruiter. Even during this season, despite having a strong defense, Day made further adjustments by replacing a safeties coach and bringing in Matt Guerrieri. These swift changes transformed Ohio State’s defense, shifting the team’s focus from defensive struggles to offensive challenges in 2023. Riley’s efforts to revamp the defensive staff are evident, yet there are doubts about the effectiveness of his approach. While he’s brought in notable names, the overall construction of the new defensive staff appears flawed.