Rob Ryan, brother of Rex, hired as new USC linebackers coach
Former NFL defensive coordinator Rob Ryan will reportedly be the new USC linebacker’s coach, according to Ryan Kartje of the LA Times.
“Rob Ryan, a former NFL defensive coordinator and brother of Rex Ryan, has been named USC’s linebackers coach and assistant head coach,” Kartje wrote on Twitter. “D’Anton Lynn knows the Ryan family well. Rex was a longtime mentor to Lynn, and now his brother joins Lynn on USC’s staff.”
USC later confirmed the move with an official announcement, naming Ryan the assistant head coach for defense and linebacker’s coach.
Rob Ryan spent the last three seasons as a senior defensive assistant with the Las Vegas Raiders. A long time NFL defensive coordinator, Ryan’s most recent DC job was with the New Orleans Saints from 2013-15.
The last time Ryan coached at the college level was 1999, his third season as Oklahoma State’s defensive coordinator. From 2000-24, he spent time with various teams as a defensive coordinator and defensive assistant roles.
Ryan won two Super Bowl titles with the New England Patriots (XXXVI and XXXVIII) when he was the linebacker’s coach under Bill Belichick.
Rob Ryan to USC, coaching under Lincoln Riley, D’Anton Lynn
Ryan will work closely with Lynn on Lincoln Riley’s staff going into the 2025 season. Lynn recently signed a contract extension with the Trojans as well.
Lynn’s decision to continue to coach at USC is a massive boost for the program. USC allowed just 337.5 yards per game this season. For comparison, the Trojans gave up 432.8 yards per game in the 2023 campaign, the 15th-most in the country.
Due to his success at USC, Lynn has reportedly been the target of other programs around the country in need of a defensive coordinator. Most notably, Penn State showed interest in the 35-year-old DC after it lost Tom Allen to Clemson this month, according to Matt Fortuna.
Even with Lynn’s future at USC secured, the Trojans still have a long offseason ahead of them. USC lost several defensive standouts to the transfer portal after the season, including EDGE Sam Greene and defensive lineman Bear Alexander.
Alas, the Trojans haven’t wallowed in self-pity, instead signing defensive talents such as Keeshawn Silver and DJ Harvey to soften the blow of their losses. With D’Anton Lynn leading the way, USC will look to take another step forward on defense next season.
The post Rob Ryan, brother of Rex, hired as new USC linebackers coach appeared first on On3.
