How USC Trojans' Chad Bowden Has Freed Coach Lincoln Riley As A Playcaller

The USC Trojans are on a tear offensively two games into the 2025 season. One of the biggest reasons why? The new-look front office staff, led by general manager Chad Bowden, and the renewed sense of clarity that comes with it for coach Lincoln Riley.

Aug 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches from the sidelines against the Missouri State Bears in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

As a head coach in college football, wearing many different hats is par for the course historically. There are several different types of coaches, such as the X’s and O’s scheme wizard, the traditional hard-nosed veteran, the CEO head man, and the recruiting boss amongst other titles. No matter which of the categories one may fall in, they’re usually wearing at least one other hat in their daily role at some point. 

For USC Trojans coach Lincoln Riley, there’s no mistaking which hat he was born to wear: X’s and O’s. After becoming an offensive coordinator for Oklahoma under legendary championship-winning coach Bob Stoops At just 31 years of age, then succeeded Stoops as head coach at Oklahoma before taking the USC job. 

Aug 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts after the game against the Missouri State Bears at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Riley has always been the hands-on play caller and game planner throughout his tenure as a head coach. After leading historically great offenses statistically, producing five NFL starters including three Heisman Trophy winners, three No. 1 overall picks, and a bevy of other accolades, there’s no denying Riley’s capabilities as a talent evaluator and playcaller. 

However, in recent years, that formula had slightly changed & Riley found himself more caught in non-football matters as the college football landscape changed. Enter general manager Chad Bowden, who has helped take a major load off Riley’s back to focus on the football side of things.

“When Riley went to USC he oversaw a top-three offense in his first season and mentored another Heisman winner in QB Caleb Williams. USC's results the past two seasons haven't been as strong, though, and part of Riley's offseason program evaluation included playcalling,” ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg said. 

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"I've had some moments where I've thought about it, not during the [season], but in between," Lincoln Riley told ESPN. "I don't know that I've ever gotten close to giving it up, but I've had that kind of inner discussion and discussion with some of my confidants about: Would that be the right thing to do?"

The honesty is refreshing as it’s becoming a hot-button topic in recent years. The USC Trojans were 15-11 the past two seasons and have fallen in what feels like countless one-possession games that come down to the wire. Criticism for Riley’s game management issues have been highlighted, and a reason that has been pointed to is his playcalling duties. It’s hard to balance. 

"Not that it's been perfect, but the offensive track record that I've had a chance to be a part of is pretty solid, and I've just always felt like that's an advantage that I can bring to our program," Riley said. "I probably feel better about doing it right now than I have in the last couple of years. Obviously, I kept doing it, but I feel it's much more manageable right now."

Sep 6, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane (8) makes a one handed catch for a touchdown as he is defended by Georgia Southern Eagles defensive back Tracy Hill Jr. (12) during the first quarter at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

With a bulldog like Bowden now spearheading recruiting and other administrative and team-related efforts, Riley has been able to focus on what he knows best, offensive football. The change still remains to be a work in progress, but when USC scored 73 points in the season opener against Missouri State, it was the most they have put on the board in nearly 100 years. 

The Trojans faced off against Georgia Southern last night, and the scoring train doesn’t appear to be slowing down any time soon, as they put up 59 points and 755 yards of offense. The Trojans have also gotten valuable experience for a bevy of young players on offense, including five-star freshman Husan Longstreet. Getting the reinvigorated version of Lincoln Riley is an ominous sign for the rest of college football.