Calling it a move for all former USC Trojans, Lincoln Riley welcomed 2003 All-American wideout Mike Williams back into the USC program in a rather unique way Friday afternoon: Riley looped in Williams's former quarterback, Matt Leinart, for a FaceTime call during which Williams learned he was being hired.
Williams is set to become USC's new director of player personnel.
"Listen, man, I know we've been talking a lot about this player development job, I thought what better than to have a guy that delivered a lot of touchdowns to you and a lot of big plays," Riley said on the call. "He's got one more ball here for you, one more opportunity for you here man."
Leinart then delivered the news to an overjoyed Williams.
"You are by far one of the greatest Trojans of all time and one of the best college football players of all time," Leinart said. "Coach and I talked about this a little bit and he kind of asked about you and I just said, 'Mike is one of the greatest dudes ever.'
Williams couldn't hold back.
"God is good. ... I'm not going to let you down," he said. "Thank you for giving me the opportunity. ... I'm about to go into the hallway and tell my son.
"I can't tell you enough how excited I am."
.@CoachLikeMike has joined the call 📱
— USC Football ✌️ (@uscfb) April 19, 2024
Welcome Mike Williams — Director of Player Development! ✌️ pic.twitter.com/Ur9rh2JQ5N
Added Riley, "This is for all the former players, man. This is for all of them."
USC, which exited a disappointing second season under Riley at 8-5, opens its 2024 season Sept. 1 against LSU in Las Vegas at Allegiant Stadium.
The Trojans wrap up their spring camp Saturday with the program's annual spring football game.