USC Football: Eric Henderson Details Plans for Trojans Defense

Your 2023-24 USC Trojans made a huge splash on Monday, as they announced the hire of former Los Angeles Rams defensive line coach/defensive run game coordinator Eric Henderson. 

Henderson will still be in Los Angeles but will join the Trojans to become their co-defensive coordinator/run game coordinator/defensive line coach. This is a massive gain for the Trojans and a considerable loss for the Rams. 

The 41-year-old coach was named into the USC staff a couple of days ago and has wasted no time getting the defensive unit better. He knows what it takes to win and what he wants, as Henderson told 247Sports' Gerard Martinez he will hit the recruiting circuit for pass rushers and run stuffers. 

USC must improve throughout the defense, as they could do no right in 2023. However, it all starts in the trenches, and Henderson knows that better than anyone. He has coached future Hall of Famer and three-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald, possibly the best defender ever. And he coached potential 2023 Defensive Rookie of the Year Kobie Turner, another interior lineman. 

Henderson will have a ton of weight on his shoulders to turn this defense around. However, it has to be better than it was for the past two seasons, which is not a high bar. Last season alone, the former USC defensive coordinator, Alex Grinch, led the defense to 117th in points allowed, 114th in yards allowed, 93rd in yards per play, and 115th in red zone scoring. The defense was abysmal, but there's doubt Henderson and co-defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn will turn it around. 

Getting the right pieces to fit their mold is huge, and Henderson will do great in getting those players and developing them. The future looks bright for Lincoln Riley and the crew. 

We can't wait to see the new and improved USC Trojans as they look to make their mark in the Big 10 conference.