3 FBS coaches who deserve USC's top job if Lincoln Riley gets fired

After a disappointing outing as USC rounded up its time in the Pac-12 last season, Lincoln Riley was expected to get things sorted out in the program in the 2024 college football season. However, things haven't gone his way as the Trojans have already recorded five losses.

After three seasons in charge of the program, the lofty expectations that existed when Riley was hired haven't been lived up to. With rumors of him getting fired in the air, a host of top names have been listed as his potential successor in Los Angeles.

Here's a look at three names that deserve the USC coaching job if Lincoln Riley is fired.

Three coaches deserving of the USC job if Lincoln Riley is fired

#1, Curt Cignetti

Curt Cignetti is one name that will be linked to a host of top coaching jobs in the coming offseason. After leading James Madison to an astonishing, 11-1 season in 2023, he's been able to do wonders at Indiana this season.

The eighth-ranked Hoosiers (9-0) have yet to suffer a defeat this season and are hoping for a place in the Big Ten championship game if they can navigate the remaining games safely. The team also has a strong chance of securing a place in the College Football Playoff.

Following his tenure with the Dukes and Hoosiers, there's strong evidence that Cignetti (128-35 in his career) can elevate USC back to a powerhouse after years of struggling.

#2, Mario Cristobal

With Miami's performance this season, Mario Cristobal has returned the fourth-ranked Hurricanes (9-0) to the pinnacle of college football. The coach left Oregon surprisingly after the conclusion of the 2021 season to take the Hurricanes job. Three years on, it's been a brilliant decision.

The Hurricanes have their eyes on their first Atlantic Coast Conference title. With his performance at both Oregon and Miami, it's clear that Cristobal has what it takes to rebuild USC and take it back to the top.

Only a proven coaching candidate like Cristobal can help return the Trojans' status as a powerhouse.

#3, Matt Campbell

Following the performance of Iowa State this season, Matt Campbell has seen his reputation skyrocket. The coach has been with the Cyclones since 2016, and he is experiencing his best season in charge.

No. 17 Iowa State (7-1) has only dropped a game, with that 23-22 loss coming to Texas Tech on Saturday. The Cyclones remain in contention for the Big 12 championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff.

This has proven Campbell possesses the core ability to transform a program. With the reputation and financial power of USC, the school can provide a better ground for the coach to thrive.