The University of Southern California (USC) Trojans football program has significantly bolstered its defensive coaching staff with the addition of veteran NFL coach Rob Ryan. Ryan, who brings 35 years of professional football experience, including a Super Bowl ring, has been appointed as the assistant head coach for defense and linebackers, filling the vacancy left by Matt Entz’s departure to Fresno State. This appointment marks Ryan’s return to the college football landscape after more than two decades, his last collegiate coaching stint being at Oklahoma State from 1997 to 1999. Head coach Lincoln Riley expressed his enthusiasm for Ryan’s arrival, emphasizing Ryan’s extensive NFL experience and his track record of developing top-tier defensive talent. This strategic hire underscores Riley’s commitment to elevating the Trojans’ defense and solidifying their position as a national football powerhouse.
Ryan’s impressive NFL resume includes roles as linebackers coach for the Super Bowl-winning New England Patriots and defensive coordinator for the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, and New Orleans Saints. Most recently, he served as a senior defensive assistant for the Las Vegas Raiders for three seasons (2021-2023). This rich experience, working with diverse defensive schemes and coaching numerous Pro Bowl and All-Pro players, brings invaluable expertise to the USC program. Riley highlighted the immediate impact Ryan is expected to have on the Trojans’ defensive unit, aiming to build upon the progress made under previous coaching regimes.
The acquisition of Rob Ryan further solidifies a string of strategic coaching hires for USC. Just days prior to Ryan’s appointment, the Trojans secured a contract extension with defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn, demonstrating a commitment to continuity and stability within the defensive coaching ranks. Additionally, the team recently brought on Eric Henderson, former defensive line coach for the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers, adding another layer of NFL experience to the staff. This collective influx of professional expertise signifies a concerted effort by USC to elevate its defensive prowess and compete at the highest echelons of college football.
Ryan’s recent tenure with the Raiders showcased his ability to cultivate and enhance the performance of elite defensive players. In 2022, he played a pivotal role in Maxx Crosby’s career-best season, culminating in Crosby’s second Pro Bowl selection. Under Ryan’s guidance, Crosby registered career-highs in tackles, tackles for loss, and sacks, setting a franchise record for tackles by a defensive lineman and becoming only the second Raider defensive lineman to achieve 20+ tackles for loss in a single season. Ryan also worked with Chandler Jones, contributing to Jones’ impactful performance despite facing injury challenges. The Raiders’ defense demonstrated overall improvement under Ryan’s influence, particularly in rushing yards allowed per game, tackles for loss, and stuffs.
The 2023 season further solidified Ryan’s coaching acumen. The Raiders’ defense allowed the fewest points since 2002, a testament to the improved defensive structure and strategy. The unit also recorded five defensive touchdowns, ranking second in the league. The defensive performance saw a significant surge following the appointment of Antonio Pierce as interim head coach in Week 9, leading the league in points allowed per game and defensive touchdowns, while also tying for third in sacks during the latter half of the season. This demonstrates Ryan’s ability to adapt and thrive within evolving coaching structures and game situations.
The hiring of Rob Ryan represents a significant investment in the future of USC football. His wealth of NFL experience, coupled with his proven ability to develop top-tier defensive talent, is expected to have a transformative impact on the Trojans’ defense. Combined with the retention of D’Anton Lynn and the addition of Eric Henderson, USC has assembled a formidable defensive coaching staff, poised to elevate the program’s defensive performance and contend for national championships. This strategic approach to coaching recruitment reflects the university’s commitment to building a dominant football program and restoring its legacy of gridiron excellence. The upcoming seasons will be a crucial test of this new coaching dynamic and its ability to translate NFL expertise into collegiate success.
