Sean McVay shares what USC is getting in Eric Henderson
The USC Trojans and head coach Lincoln Riley made a huge splash early this week when they were able to pull defensive line coach Eric Henderson away from the Los Angeles Rams. Following the move, Rams head coach Sean McVay shared some thoughts about what Henderson provided in five years there and what the Trojans are getting in their new co-defensive coordinator, run game coordinator and defensive line coach.
“He’s been awesome,” Rams head coach Sean McVay said Wednesday. “Came here in 2019, basically established his own culture within the defensive line room. He’s had a really good track record of developing people, building relationships with our players. I think there’s a toughness, there’s an identity that we played with on the defensive line that is a real credit to him. It was a unique opportunity, and this was something that came up a few weeks ago. Obviously, we love Eric Henderson and think the world of him, but I think it was one of those opportunities where he got a chance to work with some previous relationships. Obviously, SC’s an incredible program. I think very highly of (USC Head Coach) Lincoln (Riley) and what those guys will continue to do there. It was a good chance for he and his family to do something that was in alignment with some of his goals.”
Henderson was sought after by multiple college programs this offseason and is seen as a massive hire by the Trojans. Riley spoke multiple times this offseason about the need to improve along the defensive line as USC makes its way into the Big Ten. The Trojans now have two coaches dedicated to the defensive line in Henderson and defensive ends coach Shaun Nua. And Henderson brings a sterling reputation that precedes him. Multiple USC defensive linemen, including veteran Bear Alexander and incoming freshman Carlon Jones, have taken to social media to express their excitement over Henderson becoming their position coach.
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Henderson is tied to future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald considering they worked together for so long and Donald has shared effusive praise for Henderson. But Henderson can point to more than just Aaron Donald being Aaron Donald as far as his successes as a coach. The Rams defensive line led the way to a Super Bowl title in the 2021 season, collecting 50 sacks during the regular season — the No. 3 mark all time. Henderson was voted by his fellow defensive line coaches as the John Teerlinck Defensive Line Coach of the Year. In 2023, four different Rams defensive linemen recorded at least six sacks and tackle Kobie Turner tied Donald’s Rams rookie record with nine sacks.
Now Henderson, who has not coached in college since the 2016 season, will have a chance to add a defensive co-coordinator title to his resume as well as show off some recruiting and development ability for a program that needs a bunch of both at his position.
