USC Trojans LB Coach Matt Entz left the program all the way back on Early Signing Day in December when he took the head coaching job at Fresno State. It is now January 15 and the USC Trojans are still without a new LB coach.
I can say with certainty that many conversations and interviews have transpired, and now it is looking like Lincoln Riley, D’Anton Lynn, and the program are honing in on a potential candidate.
Because the search has taken so long, conventional wisdom tells us that the remaining candidates are either coaching for a team in the College Football Playoff or in the NFL Playoffs. We are down to two remaining college football teams, and eight remaining NFL teams.
On Sunday, the rumors started swirling that a hire, or handshake agreement had been made to fill the position. The name that was circulating on X.com, and that one source told me, was current Chargers LB Coach NaVorro Bowman.
Bowman, a 4-time First-Team All-Pro, is very young in his coaching career, but his playing prowess and name recognition would still make this a very good hire. As a coach, Bowman spent 2023 as a defensive analyst for his Alma Mater Maryland, and then this past season as the Chargers LB Coach.
This could very well be the hire, but personally, regardless of the rumors, I am leaning in a different direction. I think Lincoln Riley will want someone with a little more experience, and considering the Chargers lost on Saturday and nothing has been announced yet, it makes me think that the USC Trojans have their eyes on someone else.
For context, last season Eric Henderson was hired on January 15, just one day after his former team, the Los Angeles Rams, were eliminated from the NFL Playoffs.
USC Trojans Potential LB Coaching Candidates
In my opinion, the team to watch for in the rest of the playoffs is the Washington Commanders. Before we get to the three very qualified candidates on the coaching roster, there are two very strong ties between the Trojans and the Commanders.
For one, Kliff Kingsbury is the offensive coordinator. Kingsbury spent last season on the Trojans staff, and he and Lincoln Riley have a very strong relationship. Connections and being able to vouch for someone as a coach and person go a long way in any business.
Two, D’Anton Lynn’s father, Anthony Lynn, is the Running Backs Coach and Run Game Coordinator for the Commanders. Again, relationships matter.
Now let’s get into the actual candidates.
Ken Norton Jr.
Ken Norton Jr. is the current LB coach for the Commanders. This, to me, would be an absolute home run hire.
Norton Jr. got his start in coaching at USC as the LB Coach from 2004-2009, after an illustrious playing career that spanned more than a decade. He coached with Pete Carroll as an LB Coach and a second stint as the Defensive Coordinator after a few seasons as the Raiders DC. He also spent time with UCLA before joining the Commanders this season.
Also Read: USC Trojans Land Game-Changing Safety In Transfer Portal
The biggest question would be whether or not he would want to make a lateral move, and SC would have to shell out in order to convince him. But I do believe this is a very real possibility.
John Pagano
John Pagano is a name that might not excite fans as much, but he is certainly more than qualified. He is currently a Senior Defensive Assistant for the Commanders, so it would certainly be an upgrade if he joined the USC Trojans staff as the LB coach.
His resume is very impressive and spans over 35 years between college and the NFL. He has coached the linebacker position at multiple stops, most recently with the Denver Broncos, and has risen as high as defensive coordinator with both the Chargers and Raiders.
He has not coached in College since 1995, so that would be the one drawback, but in this new era of College Football, I don’t think that would be much of an issue.
Ryan Kerrigan
Ryan Kerrigan is the current Assistant Linebackers Coach and Pass Rush Specialist. After an illustrious playing career that lasted a decade, Kerrigan just got into coaching in 2022. But much like Bowman, what he might lack coaching experience, he more than makes up for in name recognition and playing experience.
Also Read: USC Trojans Expected To Lose Taylor Mays To Washington Huskies
Taking the LB Coaching job at USC would be a huge career move for Kerrigan and a no-brainer for him if the USC Trojans offered it.
So, to me, the Commanders-Lions game is the one to watch for USC fans this weekend. Again, this is just my opinion, but I believe that the next USC Trojans LB Coach may be on this roster.