USC HC Lincoln Riley Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports

USC hires two-time national championship-winning coach in surprise addition

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated 12/13/23

USC made a surprise hire Sunday afternoon as it looks to improve its dreadful defense. Head coach Lincoln Riley is making moves to try and improve the Trojans’ after a disappointing 7-5 season that saw Riley fire defensive coordinator Alex Grinch midseason.

The Trojans hired D’Anton Lynn to run the defense for the 2024 season. They’ll be adding an experienced hand to join the defense in the linebackers coaching position.

USC hires a two-time national championship-winning head coach

According to Pete Thamel with ESPN, Matt Entz is leaving his job as the head coach of North Dakota State to join the Trojans as their linebackers coach.

North Dakota State head coach Matt Entz tells ESPN he’s leaving the school for an assistant coaching position under Lincoln Riley at USC.

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 10, 2023

Entz won two Division I titles in the FCS with North Dakota State for the 2019 and 2021 seasons. North Dakota State has been a powerhouse since Entz took the head-coaching job in 2019. He has a 32-7 record with NDSU.

NDSU is currently in the FCS playoffs. They will play in the semifinal round against Montana next week. Entz leaving one of the most successful programs in the FCS, will cause a major shakeup in that division.

Entz will bring new energy to the Trojans defense and Riley’s staff for next season is shaping up to be a lot stronger. Only time will tell if it will lead to improved performance on the field.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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