USC Football: Lincoln Riley Lands Los Angeles Rams DL Coach in Final Defensive Staff Addition

Lincoln Riley just landed the biggest coach for the Trojans.

USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley just acquired the biggest coach in his career. The Los Angeles Rams lost in the playoffs yesterday, and it was believed that their defensive lineman coach Eric Henderson would come over. That news has now been confirmed. 

#USC Hires L.A. Rams DL Coach ERIC HENDERSON❕✌🏼🔥🔥@On3USC #FightOn pic.twitter.com/Y554kZiiFU

— Scott Schrader (@SSchraderOn3) January 15, 2024

Henderson will come over from the NFL bringing with him a wealth of knowledge to help the paltry Trojans defense of 2023 be a thing of the past. 

Henderson will serve as co-defensive coordinator, run game coordinator, and defensive line coach. While this might sound like the man is wearing too many proverbial hats, he has been a valued coach since 2012. 

He spent time as a defensive line coach for the Los Angeles Chargers and Los Angeles Rams. 

He will reportedly work in tandem with former UCLA defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn to call the shots on defense. Henderson, Lynn, Matt Entz, Doug Belk, and Shaun Nua should help to turn this defense around completely. 

Defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn will call the defense and work with Henderson, Matt Entz (assistant head coach for defense/LBs), Doug Belk (secondary) and Shaun Nua (defensive ends). Nua is the only holdover from previous staff.

— Thuc Nhi Nguyen (@thucnhi21) January 15, 2024

Riley made it a point to start acquiring better defensive minds when Alex Grinch was fired from his position before the 2023 season concluded. 

With a star in the making with Miller Moss as QB and a new defensive staff in place, the Trojans could go far in the Big Ten conference next year. 

Henderson coming over from the Rams just goes to show that USC is aiming to turn the school into a powerhouse within the NCAAF.