USC Welcomes NFL Veteran Coach Rob Ryan to Its Coaching Staff: What This Means for the Future

Rob Ryan is back in college football as USC’s new linebackers coach. He takes over after Matt Entz left to coach Fresno State.

USC’s head coach Lincoln Riley praised Ryan, saying, “He’s one of the most accomplished defensive coaches in NFL history. With over 20 years in the NFL, his experience will strengthen our staff as we aim for greatness at USC.” Ryan has worked with many top NFL players, including Hall of Famers and All-Pro selections. The USC community is excited to welcome him and his family.

This is Ryan’s first college job since 1999, when he wrapped up a three-year stint as Oklahoma State’s defensive coordinator. Since then, he has coached in the NFL with eight different teams, including roles as defensive coordinator for the Raiders, Browns, Cowboys, Saints, and Bills. He recently spent three seasons as a defensive assistant with the Raiders in a return to the team after previously serving as their defensive coordinator from 2004 to 2008.

Ryan’s hiring follows the recent signing of D’Anton Lynn as USC’s defensive coordinator. Lynn was brought in from UCLA to improve the Trojans’ defense after a tough 2023 season. Last year, USC’s defense struggled, giving up an average of 34.4 points per game. However, improvements were seen in 2024, with the team allowing 24.1 points per game. They also reduced the number of plays allowed from 71 to 65 per game, showcasing a positive shift for the program.

Check out this related article: Unforgettable Lessons from Nunez: The Rise of a Late-Game Hero

Source link

Rob Ryan,Rex Ryan,linebackers coach,USC,NFL,assistant coach,Las Vegas Raiders,defensive assistant,defensive coordinator,Brandon Sloter,Lincoln Riley,head coach