Too Good to Be True: Aaron Donald to Join USC Trojan Coaching Staff?

Undoubtedly, the presence of Donald on the sidelines would give a shot in the arm to the Trojan defense. Furthermore, his involvement with the team would boost recruiting.

Eric Henderson’s Coaching History with the Los Angeles Rams

In 2019, the Rams hired Henderson to be their defensive line coach. In January 2024, after five years with the Rams, Henderson was hired by USC.

Rams head coach Sean McVay praised Henderson’s tenure with the team, stating:

“He’s been awesome. Came here in 2019, basically established his own culture within the defensive line room. He’s had a really good track record of developing people, building relationships with our players. I think there’s a toughness, there’s an identity that we played with on the defensive line that is a real credit to him.

“It was a unique opportunity, and this was something that came up a few weeks ago. Obviously, we love Eric Henderson and think the world of him, but I think it was one of those opportunities where he got a chance to work with some previous relationships. Obviously, SC’s an incredible program. I think very highly of [USC Head Coach] Lincoln [Riley] and what those guys will continue to do there. It was a good chance for [him] and his family to do something that was in alignment with some of his goals.”

Of course, as the Rams defensive line coach, Henderson was Donald’s coach.

Eric Henderson’s Relationship with Aaron Donald

Henderson and Donald were not just coach and player. They developed a close bond became good friends. A glimpse into the nature of their relationship is provided by the tweet Henderson posted upon Donald’s retirement:

Eric Henderson’s Coaching Role at USC

With the Trojans, Henderson will not only be the defensive line coach, but also he has been named co-defensive coordinator and run-game coordinator. He will be working closely with new USC defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn.

The Trojan family welcomed Henderson with open arms.

As reported by NBC:

“Henderson is the fourth prominent veteran coach to join what will be a completely new defensive staff at USC, which went 8-5 last season despite having one of the most productive offenses in the nation….

“Before adding Henderson, USC also hired North Dakota State head coach Matt Entz to be its assistant head coach and linebackers coach, and it added former University of Houston defensive coordinator Doug Belk to coach defensive backs.”

Thus, the Trojans are thoroughly revamping their defense.

The Possibility of Aaron Donald Joining Henderson on the USC Coaching Staff

As recently observed in Ramblin’Fan:

“So what are the latest Rams rumors about Aaron Donald? Per NFL Network’s correspondent James Palmer, those rumors project Aaron Donald eventually joining the USC coaching staff, and working with his former DL Coach and friend Eric Henderson.”

Ramblin’Fan goes on:

“[We] do not have any insider information over Aaron Donald’s next steps. But [we] will say that a player whose reputation and prestige rises to that of Aaron Donald are a natural draw to a college football program. Aaron Donald, just by an association with USC (or any football program) [would be] an un-equalled recruitment tool.

“But Aaron Donald is not just a figurehead. He is incredibly smart, a football intellect who can diagnose plays in real time as they develop around him. He not only knows the job of a defensive lineman, but he can dictate offensive line protections on any given play.

“He is a natural for a football coaching career. He has elite talent as a player. He loves to help young men compete in football. And he has a great friend in Coach Eric Henderson.”

FanNation’s Matt Levine reports:

“Recently, USC Trojans co-defensive coordinator, defensive line coach and run game coordinator, Eric Henderson, stirred the pot on some big rumors. The former Los Angeles Rams coach poured fuel on some social media rumors involving recently retired future Hall-of-Fame defensive edge rusher Aaron Donald.

“It was said that Donald missed working with Henderson and that with him being retired now, he could find his way onto the staff at USC. Henderson responded to the rumor, giving thought to the reality of Donald joining the coaching staff by posting a wide-eye emoji.”

Wide eyes indeed! Donald joining the USC coaching staff would be a major coup for the Trojans.

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