After a 9-4 season defined by an average defense, head coach Lincoln Riley is making targeted changes to fix the unit. Going by the 2025 season report card, they fared average when it came to the Trojans’ defense. Thus, Riley made the foundational changes by raiding the NFL to hire a defensive coach. 

“USC is expected to name AJ Howard as outside linebackers coach, sources tell @CBSSports,” reported national college football senior reporter Matt Zenitz.

AJ Howard had picked up a reputation as a standout NFL defender. He logged time across multiple NFL locker rooms, including Arizona, New York, and Baltimore, among others. Finally, his first coaching gig was as a graduate assistant under Scott Satterfield at Louisville in 2020. Howard quickly transitioned from the field to the sideline, where he began building an equally impressive coaching resume.

Riley’s latest hire spent 2021 and 2022 as a Southeast area scout for the New England Patriots. Then came his stint at Appalachian State as the outside linebackers’ coach. What does Howard bring to Riley’s program as a coach?

His work with App State’s linebackers group paid off fast. Under his guidance, true freshman Nate Johnson exploded onto the scene with 7.5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss. This immediately earned him Freshman All-American recognition, and he finished the regular season tied atop the FBS freshman sack leaderboard. Howard’s credit lies in his trust in the true freshman, allowing him to rush freely. This confidence often pays off when the games tighten late. 

The Trojans’ defense was a middle-of-the-pack unit in 2025, allowing 23.0 points per game. A key reason for the inconsistency was the youth in the linebacker room, an area Riley is now targeting with experienced coaching hires. 

USC brings back some actual pieces at linebacker in 2026, led by Desman Stephens II, Jadyn Walker, and Elijah Newby. Stephens was the tone-setter for the Trojans’ defense in 2025, stacking 89 total tackles and a forced fumble. With Eric Gentry leaving, the runway is ready for Walker and Newby to take over. The duo made their case early, stacking 43 total tackles and a sack in front of Riley.

While the Trojans already found a coach to fill the outside linebackers’ spot, the Georgia Bulldogs are still trying their luck. The position is vacant in Athens as outside linebackers coach Chidera Uzo-Diribe took an NFL leap to the Dallas Cowboys. 

Besides Howard, Riley brought in two more new coaches for the 2026 season.

Lincoln Riley reloads the defensive staff with two coaches

Ever since defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn left USC, Riley has made an array of staff changes. The head coach hired former Nebraska special teams coach Mike Ekeler. However, at USC, he will be serving as the linebackers’ coach. 

If USC is serious about making a CFP run, Riley knows the middle-field issues during stretches need to be fixed. But what made him count on Ekeler as the problem solver? During his run as Tennessee’s linebackers coach from 2021-24, he churned out a First Team All-SEC outside linebacker in each of his final three seasons.

While revamping his defense staff, Riley did not forget to add depth to their special teams. He once again raided the Nebraska staff, bringing in their former graduate assistant, Noah Knoell, as a special teams assistant. As Riley rebuilds his staff, the ultimate goal remains the same: winning a championship.

“I think their desire to win championships at a high level, and to do it at SC together, was really kind of what bonded this group from the beginning,” said the head coach.

The last time USC was lucky in the Natty race was in 2004. With the best of the coaching minds now in the Trojans, can Lincoln Riley break the championship drought?