Rams lose key coach to college ranks following loss to Lions

After the Los Angeles Rams lost to the Detroit Lions Sunday, Eric Henderson made quick work of departing to the college ranks. 

Eric Henderson, the Rams' defensive line coach and defensive run game coordinator, is headed to the University of Southern California to serve as the co-defensive coordinator, the school announced Monday. 

"I'm excited to welcome the final member of our defensive staff, Eric Henderson," said Lincoln Riley, USC's head coach. "A Super Bowl Champion coach who has been recognized nationally for being the top in his field, Eric will bring immeasurable knowledge and experience to our program. We have put together a defensive staff that is second to none. We're ready to get to work."

Henderson first joined the Rams in 2019 as a defensive line coach. Two years later, he added run-game coordinator to his list of responsibilities. 

During his tenure with the Rams, the team has had unprecedented success – winning the Super Bowl in the 2021 season. 

Henderson played a central role in helping the Rams have an elite defense that same year. 

The Rams' defense ranked third in sacks (50.0) and fifth in tackles for loss (85) during the regular season. Henderson also helped the Rams' defense finish fifth in yards per rush (3.96) and sixth in opponent rushing yards per game (103.2). The Rams' defense held opponents to a 51.8% red zone efficiency rate, which ranked eighth-best in the NFL.

To top off a successful 2021 season, Henderson won the John Teerlinck Defensive Line Coach of the Year award. It is an award voted on by his peer coaches. 

The Sean Mcvay coaching tree is only growing, extending to the college ranks. Heading into the 2024 season, the Rams could have several coaching positions needing to be filled as teams continue to poach away McVay's top talent.