USC Football: Lincoln Riley Confirms New Defensive Coaches Are Not Part of Holiday Bowl Plan

Lincoln Riley has confirmed the new defensive coaches will not be part of the Holiday Bowl.

The USC Trojans are set to take on Louisville during the Holiday Bowl on December 27. This will be the final game of the 2023 season and the last chance for Lincoln Riley to rally his team to victory before they head into the 2024 season and the Big Ten Conference. 

Riley has already been making big moves to ensure that the team has success in the future, which started when he fired former DC Alex Grinch. Since then, he has brought a trio of coaches that should immediately help the defensive side of the ball. 

Riley hired former UCLA DC D'Anton Lynn, former North Dakota State HC Mike Entz, and former Houston DC Doug Belk. Despite these new and exciting hires, Riely has confirmed they will not be part of the plan for the Holiday Bowl. 

Lincoln Riley said the new defensive coaches are not involved in the bowl game prep #USC

— Chris Treviño (@ChrisNTrevino) December 18, 2023

This makes perfect sense, as Riley is likely not trying to confuse his players in learning a new scheme or way of doing things in their final game of the season. It would be better to start 2024 with a new slate with these new coaches in place. 

Despite Brian Odom not expected to be back next season, and is being replaced by Mike Entz—he was shown walking into practice earlier today. 

USC linebackers coach Brian Odom, not Matt Entz, comes out to practice. Looks like Odom will coach through the Holiday Bowl. pic.twitter.com/PR0yYfZfcP

— Connor Morrissette (@C_Morrissette) December 18, 2023

The 2024 Trojans can make a bigger splash by having a more tough and well-rounded defense. However, we will see what they can muster for the Holiday Bowl.