ESPN: Lincoln Riley, Gamecocks will talk about USC opening

South Carolina plans to talk with Oklahoma offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley about the Gamecocks’ head coaching vacancy, ESPN reported early Wednesday.

A young coach (32), he is currently running a top-flight offense on a top-5 team. He’s been able to combine an air raid-style, high-tempo passing offense with a multi-threat running game.

Oklahoma averaged 45.8 points per game in 2015, third-best in the nation. The Sooners were seventh in total offense (542.9 ypg).

If talks progress and he is hired, Riley would be the youngest FBS head coach.

Riley also coached for five years at East Carolina, so he knows the region somewhat and has recruited here. He even signed former South Carolina receiving target Dre Massey out of Mauldin High School.

On Tuesday, Gamecocks athletics director Ray Tanner told The State he has a “short list” in his search to replace Steve Spurrier but added the process could extend well into next week. Spurrier resigned on Oct. 12.

Top South Carolina coaching target Kirby Smart is off the market, according to multiple reports, and will be Georgia’s next coach. The University of Houston also continues to believe it is well on its way to keeping head Tom Herman, another sought-after coach.

Auburn defensive coordinator and former Florida head coach Will Muschamp has received “consideration” for South Carolina’s job, according to FoxSports.

USA Today’s Dan Wolken reported that the Gamecocks “could consider as many six candidates beyond Smart,” including Muschamp and Georgia defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt.

This story was originally published December 2, 2015 at 7:36 AM with the headline "ESPN: Lincoln Riley, Gamecocks will talk about USC opening."