In 2021, he was accused of sexual misconduct and mistreatment of players that spanned over a 10-year coaching period in the National Women's Soccer League and its predecessors.

[2] After graduation, Riley became a manager, but in 1988, he turned professional when he joined the Albany Capitals of the American Soccer League.

[11] On 12 March 2012, following the collapse of WPS, Riley was named head coach of the New York Fury in the Women's Premier Soccer League.

[12] In 2013, Riley was named head coach of the Portland Thorns in the newly formed top-division National Women's Soccer League.

[14] On 19 February 2016, Riley was announced as the head coach of the WNY Flash of the National Women's Soccer League.

[15] On 9 January 2017, the National Women's Soccer League announced that the WNY Flash franchise would be relocated to North Carolina.

[16] Riley was officially hired as head coach of the relocated club, now called the North Carolina Courage, on 30 January.

[17] The Courage finished in first place during the 2017 regular season with a 16–7–1 record, winning the NWSL Shield and advanced to the Playoffs.

[22] After defeating Reign FC 4–1 in the semi-finals,[23] the Courage won their second NWSL Championship shutting out the Chicago Red Stars 4–0 in the final.

[37] On January 9, 2023, following the release of the joint league–union report, Riley was banned from the NWSL for life, along with three other coaches named in the scandal.

[38][37] Long Island Rough Riders Western New York Flash North Carolina Courage Individual