TLDR: The University of Southern California’s (USC) football program has been fined $50,000 and is placed on a one-year probation following NCAA findings of violations related to coaching activities. The investigation revealed that USC exceeded the allowable number of countable coaches by six during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, involving analysts in coaching roles. Despite head coach Lincoln Riley’s presumed responsibility, no suspension will be imposed due to his adherence to compliance protocols. Additional penalties include restrictions for special teams analysts and other staff members from practice and film review for designated periods in the upcoming season. USC cooperatively addressed these issues, agreeing to corrective measures and a reduction of athletically related activities. Athletic Director Jen Cohen expressed the university’s commitment to ethical standards in light of these violations.

The NCAA has imposed a fine of $50,000 on the University of Southern California’s (USC) football program, accompanying a one-year probation following the discovery of violations regarding coaching activities. These breaches were identified in an extensive investigation covering the 2022 and 2023 seasons. The assessment revealed that USC had enlisted eight analysts who participated in both on- and off-field activities, resulting in surpassing the permissible count of coaches by a total of six. The NCAA detailed these findings, contributing to the ongoing narrative around collegiate sports compliance.

The violations were particularly related to the engagement of analysts who operated in roles that should have been exclusive to counted coaching staff. Despite these occurrences, head coach Lincoln Riley will not face suspension. The NCAA’s decision takes into consideration that, although Riley was presumed responsible for these infractions, he demonstrated commitment to fostering a culture of compliance and supervision within his team and coaching staff.

Throughout the investigation, it was acknowledged that the violations straddled a significant period, some even preceding a 2023 rule change concerning the automatic attachment of head coach responsibilities. As a result, the NCAA’s resolution refrained from penalizing Riley further, crediting his efforts to comply with regulations and ensure that his staff adhered to set rules. USC’s corrective response formed the cornerstone of the investigation’s outcome.

In addition to the fine and probation, additional penalties include specific restrictions on USC football staff. Notably, the university will be prohibited from involving its special teams analysts in practices or film reviews for six consecutive days over two designated weeks during the 2024-25 season. Moreover, other analysts will face comparable restrictions over a broader timeframe. USC has also voluntarily committed to reducing its athletically related activities by 24 hours in the current season, demonstrating its willingness to address and rectify the issues at hand.

USC’s athletic director, Jen Cohen, articulated the institution’s dedication to maintaining high ethical standards and integrity across its sports programs. In her statement, Cohen highlighted the collaborative effort with NCAA enforcement in resolving the matter through prompt and effective corrective measures, safeguarding the university’s commitment to ethics in sports. USC’s conscientious approach to remedying the violations underscores its resolve to uphold its standing as a compliant and principled member of the collegiate athletics community.