UCF is targeting USC's Lincoln Riley as their new head coach, and he'd thrive with the Knights more than he ever has with the Trojans.

UCF is aiming big in its search to find a replacement for Gus Malzahn at head coach. The Athletic's Bruce Feldman, Antonio Morales and Ralph Russo

UCF reached out to Riley about becoming its next head coach last week in the wake of Malzahn's resignation, according to The Athletic. The report noted that Riley's camp hasn't responded to UCF and that a potential move from Southern California to Central Florida is unlikely.

Fans on social media were dumbfounded about the possibility that Riley would leave a $10 million per year job at USC to return to a head coaching job in the Big 12. (Riley coached at Oklahoma while they were still in the Big 12 before leaving for the Trojans.)

UCF has inquired about the availability of USC coach Lincoln Riley as it searches for a replacement for Gus Malzahn, three people who have been privy to those conversations told The Athletic on Wednesday.

USC football head coach Lincoln Riley is likely losing one of his top assistants this offseason. Matt Entz, the Trojans’ linebackers coach and assistant head coach for defense, is reportedly set to become the head coach at Fresno State.