USC adds former NFL assistant Rob Ryan to coaching staff

Field Level Media|published: Sat 18th January, 17:18 2025

NFL: Kansas City Chiefs at Las Vegas Raiders

Nov 26, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders senior defensive assistant coach Rob Ryan watches the game against the Kansas City Chiefs Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Rob Ryan has left the NFL to join Southern California as its assistant head coach for defense and linebackers, the school announced on Saturday.

Ryan, 62, spent 24 of his 35 years of coaching in the NFL. He most recently served as a senior defensive assistant for the Las Vegas Raiders from 2022-24.

"Rob Ryan is one of the most accomplished defensive coaches in NFL history," USC head coach Lincoln Riley said. "With over two decades of NFL experience, he will immediately bolster our staff as we continue our climb here at USC. He has coached some of the NFL's top players, including numerous Hall of Famers and All-Pro selections. We're thrilled to welcome Coach Ryan and his family to our program."

The son of Buddy Ryan and twin brother of Rex, Rob Ryan last coached in college in 1999 while serving as the defensive coordinator with Oklahoma State.

He replaces Matt Entz, who was the Trojans' assistant head coach for defense and linebackers last season. Entz was hired as Fresno State's head coach last month.

--Field Level Media