USC Trojans Head Coach Lincoln Riley's Search for New Defensive Coordinator: Potential Candidates and Player Support
USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley is in search of a new defensive coordinator following D'Anton Lynn's departure to Penn State. Former Texas defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski was initially linked to the USC job due to his connection with USC athletic director Jen Cohen. However, recent reports suggest that Kwiatkowski is now a strong candidate for the defensive coordinator position at Stanford.
Some current Trojans players, like defensive linemen Jahkeem Stewart and Floyd Boucard, have voiced their support for promoting USC co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach Eric Henderson to the vacant position. Henderson took on the play-calling duties for USC's defense in the Alamo Bowl against TCU after Lynn's departure.
There are other potential candidates for the USC defensive coordinator role, including Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Al Golden, who has ties to USC general manager Chad Bowden from their time at Notre Dame. Additionally, Jimmy Lake, a senior defensive assistant for the Los Angeles Rams, has been linked to the opening, despite being previously fired by Cohen at Washington.
Following the Alamo Bowl loss, Riley expressed confidence in USC's defensive future despite Lynn's exit. He emphasized the team's progress in recent years and the potential for further improvement with the right hire. Riley anticipates significant interest in the defensive coordinator position and believes USC has the resources and personnel to elevate the defense to a higher level.
Riley's positive outlook on USC's defensive prospects reflects his commitment to building a strong coaching staff and a competitive football program. The search for a new defensive coordinator presents an opportunity for USC to continue its upward trajectory and solidify its position as a defensive powerhouse in college football.