The USC Trojans had an urgent need to address on Lincoln Riley’s coaching staff this offseason after linebackers coach Matt Entz left the program to take the Fresno State head coaching job.
Entz accepted his promotion back on December 5. Over a month later, now the Trojans have announced his replacement, and he comes with a ton of experience.
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USC Trojans hire Rob Ryan as next linebackers coach
The USC Trojans had a big announcement to reveal on Saturday.
According to the USC athletics team, the Trojans have hired Rob Ryan to replace Matt Entz as the team’s new LB coach. In addition to his linebacker coaching duties, Ryan will also have the assistant head coach for defense added to his workload.
“Rob Ryan is one of the most accomplished defensive coaches in NFL history,” said Riley. “With over two decades of NFL experience, he will immediately bolster our staff as we continue our climb here at USC. He has coached some of the NFL’s top players, including numerous Hall of Famers and All-Pro selections. We’re thrilled to welcome Coach Ryan and his family to our program.”
Lincoln Riley on Rob Ryan hiring
He brings 35 years of coaching experience, including 24 years in the NFL, to Lincoln Riley’s staff, and he’s even won two Super Bowls. He’s been an NFL defensive coordinator for four different NFL teams, so he’s certainly qualified to coach linebackers at USC.
The brother of former New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan, Rob Ryan most recently served as the Las Vegas Raiders’ senior defensive assistant from 2022 to 2024. Now, he’ll get a chance to head back to college, helping Riley get the most out of his defense.
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