In a major shock to the Pac-12 hierarchy, the USC Trojans appear to have hit a home run in their coaching search. Bruce Feldman of The Athletic reports that Oklahoma Sooners coach Lincoln Riley will be the next head coach at Heritage Hall.

Bruce Feldman @BruceFeldmanCFB

BREAKING: Lincoln Riley is leaving OU to become the new head coach at USC, per sources. It is happening. HUGE get for the Trojans and the Pac-12. theathletic.com/news/lincoln-r…

Bruce Feldman @BruceFeldmanCFB

Would not be surprised if USC took a big swing to try and pry Lincoln Riley away from OU now.

8:46 PM ∙ Nov 28, 2021

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FOX College Football @CFBONFOX

Lincoln Riley is leaving Oklahoma to become the new head coach at USC per @BruceFeldmanCFB

8:50 PM ∙ Nov 28, 2021

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This is a major win for USC. Oklahoma has enjoyed almost unchecked success in the Big 12 up to this year, making it to the Playoff three straight seasons (Riley did go 0-3 to Georgia, Alabama and LSU).

You have to wonder if Oklahoma's impending move to the SEC had anything to do with Riley's calculus. Riley stated out flatly that he would not be the next LSU head coach in a press conference last night.

Up north, after a successful Apple Cup rampage, the Washington State Cougars have promoted Jake Dickert to the position permanently. After taking over on an interim basis, Dickert went 3-2, but the losses were to top-15 Oregon and BYU. A dominant win over Washington likely sealed the deal, and saved Wazzu from the coaching carousel.

Washington State Football @WSUCougarFB

𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐞𝐫𝐚: @CoachDickert 🤝 #GoCougs

4:31 AM ∙ Nov 28, 2021

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That leaves the Washington Huskies with the only Pac-12 coaching vacancy at this time. Current buzz seems to indicate that the leadership at Montalke is honing in on Fresno State coach Kaelen DeBoer as their top target.

Jon Wilner @wilnerhotline

Hearing this, as well. Huskies have taken shots at some big names, per sources, but unlikely to materialize. DeBoer in his second year as an FBS head coach: 303 last year, 9-3 this year

FootballScoop @FootballScoop

Sources: Kalen DeBoer emerging as strong candidate at Washington https://t.co/Mvygk9F3sc

7:42 PM ∙ Nov 28, 2021

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