Over on social media, someone asked me why it matters if Lincoln Riley speaks to fans, students, boosters, etc.?

Well, here is one angle: The college football coach is part of the community and the highest-paid employee on campus.

He wants his community (boosters, alumni) to pay for his new football building. He wants them to give money for NIL. There’s a reason USC is still $25-30 million short on its athletic facilities project.

Let’s remember that it was Pete Carroll’s football success (and his willingness to befriend everyone from the janitors to the millionaires) that led to the money for the Galen Center, which didn’t even benefit him.

So even if Riley hates the public, they help pay for his program.

Two seasons ago, he wrote a letter to the students and fans asking them for more support at home games. Did it resonate with anyone? He had no base of support.

Lastly, back in 1996, Mike Garrett wanted to fire John Robinson. There was a lot of support from the alumni and fans for Robinson and it got him one more season. Riley has not cultivated the fan base and lacks any support.