Following his initial media blitz upon being named USC football coach, Lincoln Riley embarked on a series of interviews on Monday, connecting with several prominent sports figures. Among his notable appearances was on the Pat McAfee Show, broadcast on ESPN networks.

Amid speculation about quarterback Caleb Williams‘ future in the NFL draft, with rumors swirling about the Washington Commanders’ interest in trading up for the top pick, Riley discussed Williams’ potential NFL outlook during his interview with McAfee.

Lincoln Riley on the Pat McAfee Show

Williams remains a strong contender for the top spot in the 2024 NFL draft and has numerous NFL teams seeking after him as revealed by Riley on the Pat McAfee Show. He reveals that though William’s on-the-field performance does not need validation, many teams seek to understand his off-the-field persona, “I think you know people see the talent on the field, I think they want to know about the guy you know in the meeting room, they want to know about the guy in the locker room, the type of leader he is.” Understanding the depths of talent before drafting is crucial since he might later translate into the face of the franchise. Though everyone seems to be “excited” to see how the picture pans out, there is a considerable amount of uncertainly that looms large, since, “there’s a lot of things out of control.” 

Riley’s coaching journey with Williams began at Oklahoma, where the quarterback shared the field with Spencer Rattler during the 2021 season. Upon Riley’s transition to USC, Williams followed suit, evolving into a premier NFL draft prospect through his exceptional performances with the Trojans. His stellar achievements include clinching the Heisman Trophy in 2022 and maintaining impressive stats throughout the 2023 season. Speculation is rife that the Washington Commanders may seek to trade up to the No. 1 pick held by the Chicago Bears to secure Williams, bringing him back to the DMV area. This move could reunite Williams with Kliff Kingsbury, who previously served on Riley’s USC coaching staff in 2023 and has since been hired as the offensive coordinator for the Commanders.  

Lincoln Riley debunks William’s dismissal of the Bears 

USC head coach Lincoln Riley recently addressed rumors surrounding quarterback Caleb Williams’ potential reluctance to join the Chicago Bears in the upcoming NFL draft as a “smokescreen”. Riley, who has a close relationship with Williams dating back to their time together at Oklahoma, emphasized the quarterback’s primary focus on success and development rather than team location. While speculation swirls about Williams’ preferences amid trade talks involving the Washington Commanders, Riley expressed confidence in Williams’ ability to thrive in any situation. Despite the historical challenges faced by quarterbacks in Chicago, Riley highlighted the Bears’ recent roster improvements and coaching staff additions as factors that could make the team an appealing destination for Williams.

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Riley’s comments come amidst heightened pre-draft speculation, particularly following the Commanders’ hiring of Kliff Kingsbury as offensive coordinator. Kingsbury’s prior connection with Williams during his time at USC adds an intriguing dimension to the ongoing draft narrative. Ultimately, Riley’s insights offer a reassuring perspective amid the swirling rumors, suggesting that Williams’ primary concern remains his own growth and success, regardless of the team he lands within the NFL draft.

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