Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Longtime NFL Coach Rob Ryan Lands Job With College Football Team

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Jan 18, 2025 3:19 PM ET

Well, we didn't see this coming. On Saturday afternoon, it was revealed that Rob Ryan is taking his talents to Southern California.

Ryan, 62, has decades of experience coaching football. From 2004-2015, he was a defensive coordinator for the Oakland Raiders, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints. For the past three seasons, he's been a defensive assistant for the Raiders in Las Vegas. Clearly, he was ready to take on a bigger role.

USC announced this Saturday that Ryan is joining the school's staff as an assistant head coach for defense. He'll also be the linebackers coach for the Trojans.

Although this might seem like an odd hire for USC, the program is in need of help on the defensive side of the football. Ryan, who has been coaching for about 35 years, should be able to help out in that department.

"Rob Ryan is one of the most accomplished defensive coaches in NFL history," USC head coach Lincoln Riley said. "With over two decades of NFL experience, he will immediately bolster our staff as we continue our climb here at USC. He has coached some of the NFL's top players, including numerous Hall of Famers and All-Pro selections. We're thrilled to welcome Coach Ryan and his family to our program."

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 11: Inside linebackers coach Rob Ryan of the Baltimore Ravens looks on against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on November 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

USC is entering its fourth year of the Lincoln Riley era. It's imperative that he gets the program back on the right track after a 7-6 season. Perhaps his latest hire will help him get better results on Saturdays.

Ryan last coached college football in 1999 at Oklahoma State. He was their defensive coordinator at the time.

Oklahoma State wasn't the only program that employed Ryan during the early stages of his career. He also worked for Western Kentucky, Ohio State, Tennessee State and Hutchinson Community College.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: