USC names Eric Henderson co-defensive coordinator

USC named Eric Henderson the new co-defensive coordinator, according to a release from the football program Monday.

Henderson most recently served as the defensive line coach and run game coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams just lost 24-23 to the Detroit Lions in the NFC Wild Card round Sunday.

But now, USC adds a key cog to the football staff under Lincoln Riley.

“I’m excited to welcome the final member of our defensive staff, Eric Henderson,” Riley said in a statement. “A Super Bowl Champion coach who has been recognized nationally for being the top in his field, Eric will bring immeasurable knowledge and experience to our program. We have put together a defensive staff that is second to none. We’re ready to get to work.”

Henderson made quite the impact in his final season with Rams.

“In the 2023 season, the Rams finished the season ranked No. 8 in run defense with a 70.2 grade per PFF,” the release read. “The Rams finished the regular season with 41.0 sacks with 4 players recording 6.0+ sacks. This was the first time since 1985 that the Rams have had 4 players with 6.0+ sacks on the season. DT Aaron Donald was named a Pro Bowler and earned First Team All-Pro. This marks his 10^th Pro Bowl appearance and eighth First Team All-Pro recognition.”

Lincoln Riley details how Oklahoma helped him at USC

Riley put it all in perspective as the Trojans try to springboard positively into 2024.

“I think we’re all products of the experiences that we have, different opportunities that we’ve had and challenges that we face,” Riley said. “And so I try to carry like Coach (Jeff) Brohm does as well, try to carry all the different experiences with me. The good, the bad, everything in between trying to learn from it, and certainly trying to bring our best down here to USC.

“We knew the challenge coming in here to help rebuild this and something that we’re very, very passionate about very, very excited about as we continue to go forward. 

“I think that’s kind of why you get into this right, is for challenges like this and opportunities like this, and we’ve got one of the great ones and, you know, we’re looking from a long term perspective, looking forward to getting this thing back to where we believe it can be.”