Longtime NFL defensive coordinator Rob Ryan has been named Southern California's assistant head coach for defense and linebackers coach. USC head coach Lincoln Riley announced the addition to his staff Saturday.

With the linebackers coaching post open on his Southern Cal staff since Matt Entz departed to take over at Fresno State, Lincoln Riley and heralded defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn are working to add longtime NFL veteran Rob Ryan to coach the Trojans linebackers, FootballScoop has learned.

Lincoln Riley's latest addition to USC's defensive staff has raised eyebrows, but Rob Ryan's hiring as linebackers coach and assistant head coach could be just what the Trojans need heading into 2025.