Coach Riley isn't willing to trade in play sheet for CEO role at USC quite yet

It has been since Jimbo Fisher at Florida State during the 2013 season that an offensive play-calling head coach won the national title. Coach Lincoln Riley did make the College Football Playoffs with Oklahoma while in this dual role. Now at USC, this will become even more so a continued topic of conversation if the Trojan season does not show a dramatic improvement in the win column.

Look at Ohio State, for example. Coach Ryan Day gave up play-calling duties, and bringing in coach Chip Kelly immediately paid off for the Buckeyes.

The fact of the matter is, while there aren't any two programs in an identical situation, there does tend to be a common theme. Modern-era HCs are forced to be and act more like CEOs.

Before escaping NCAA repercussions, coach Jim Harbaugh ultimately gave up that responsibility to others, like coach Sherrone Moore. Although that came after some, let's call it, interesting dynamics there as well.

For most, the resistance to giving up the key element that likely landed them the job and molded how they've been perceived in their career is understandable. The head coach always receives the most credit, but doing so as the one calling the plays comes with its charm as well.

For many, it proves to be a difficult but vital decision to give it up. There are simply too many aspects to consider that are going on throughout the week and on game day. Being too involved in one piece, albeit an important one, of the preparation and execution limits the overarching viewscape that's needed.

Being in charge on the sidelines, in reality, means being the one who solves problems as they arise and delegates. It's a touch that's needed on both sides of the ball. Too often, important elements are missed and overlooked when the HC is too busy looking at the play sheet and thinking of how to set up the next gadget play for the ensuing drive.

Important aspect to also consider for USC

Finally, the human nature part of it is relevant too. Being the one who decides how the offense will divide run/pass plays or deep shot opportunities tends to lead to a more offensive-friendly approach.

And that's fine and can often make the numbers look good there, but the defense can suffer when forced back out onto the field after three successive short drives.

There's a give and a take to everything. If coach Riley is able to overcome this anomaly and continue as is at USC, then, in the words of Frank Sinatra, he will have done it 'My Way.'