Could LSU Football Target a Current USC Trojans Staffer as the Next DL Coach?

As LSU football seeks to build on its recent success and return to national prominence, the program faces significant decisions in its coaching staff, particularly when it comes to the defensive line position. For LSU, a historically strong defensive program, ensuring that the defensive line remains one of the best in the nation is paramount. But what if the next step in their coaching search involves tapping into the expertise of a current USC Trojans staff member? Could LSU, a school with a proud football tradition and a focus on securing the best talent, target a member of USC’s coaching staff for the role of defensive line coach? The idea may seem far-fetched to some, but there are several compelling reasons why such a move could make sense.

LSU Football’s Defensive Line Legacy

LSU’s defensive line has long been a hallmark of the team’s success. Whether it’s been players like Glenn Dorsey, Michael Brockers, or more recently, players like Jaquelin Roy and Ali Gaye, LSU has consistently produced elite defensive linemen who make an impact on the college football stage and in the NFL. As a result, LSU has developed a reputation for developing top-tier defensive talent.

In recent years, LSU has gone through a few coaching changes, but one area that has been particularly impacted is the defensive line. When the Tigers brought in defensive coordinator Matt House in 2022, many hoped that the infusion of fresh blood would return the team’s defense to its former elite status. However, the defensive line has been somewhat of a mixed bag in terms of performance.

With a solid foundation of talent but the need for further development, LSU would be wise to focus on bringing in a coach who can help bring out the best in these players. Recruiting also remains a vital aspect of LSU’s success, and a strong defensive line coach can help attract some of the best talent in the country. With that in mind, it’s possible that LSU could look outside of the program to find the right coach.

The Importance of the Defensive Line Coach Role

Before diving into whether LSU could target a current USC Trojans staffer, it’s essential to recognize just how crucial the defensive line coach is to the overall success of a football program. A defensive line coach’s primary responsibility is to teach players the fundamentals of playing up front, ensuring that they’re capable of controlling the line of scrimmage, rushing the quarterback, stopping the run, and performing well in both pass-rush situations and run-defense situations.

A great defensive line coach also plays a major role in player development and helps transform raw recruits into future NFL prospects. Beyond just coaching, these coaches are also heavily involved in recruiting, where their ability to identify and evaluate talent can significantly impact the future of the program. For a team like LSU, the defensive line coach must be someone who can not only develop players but also bring in top-tier recruits that will keep the team competitive on a national level.

USC Trojans Football Program: A Look at the Defensive Line Staff

Before speculating about LSU targeting a staff member from USC, it’s important to take a closer look at USC’s football program. Over the past few years, USC has made significant strides under head coach Lincoln Riley, who arrived from Oklahoma in 2022. While Riley’s offense is often the focal point of attention, the Trojans have also made significant strides on the defensive side of the ball, particularly with the arrival of new defensive coordinator Alex Grinch in 2022.

USC has been in the midst of a rebuild under Grinch, who is working to improve the Trojans’ defensive capabilities after several years of struggles. A key area of focus for Grinch has been improving the defensive line, which has long been considered a weak point for USC. Under Grinch’s guidance, the Trojans’ defensive line has made noticeable progress, particularly in their ability to generate pressure on the quarterback and stymie opposing offenses.

While much of the credit for this improvement goes to Grinch and his scheme, USC also has talented position coaches who work directly with the defensive line. These staff members are critical to the development of players and the overall performance of the unit. As LSU looks for a defensive line coach, one key question is whether there’s someone on USC’s staff who could be a perfect fit for Baton Rouge.

Potential USC Coaches of Interest for LSU

When considering who LSU might target from USC’s staff, there are several names that could come to mind. Let’s take a look at a few potential candidates who could fill the defensive line coach position at LSU.

1. Vic Koenning (Defensive Line Coach)

One of the most prominent names in the conversation regarding USC’s defensive line staff is Vic Koenning, who is currently the defensive line coach for the Trojans. Koenning has a wealth of experience coaching at the college level and has worked at several high-profile programs. Known for his ability to coach up defensive linemen, Koenning has a reputation for developing strong, disciplined players who are capable of making an impact in the trenches.

During his time at USC, Koenning has helped players improve their technical skills while emphasizing the importance of discipline and work ethic. His ability to work with players on both the fundamentals of the game and their mental approach to football could be valuable to LSU as they look to continue developing some of their talented defensive linemen. Koenning also has experience recruiting top-level talent, a critical component of LSU’s success. His ability to evaluate and identify high-potential recruits could be a significant asset to the Tigers.

2. Brandon Jordan (Defensive Line Coach)

Another coach who could be of interest to LSU is Brandon Jordan, who has worked in various roles in college football and is currently a defensive line coach at USC. Jordan has built a reputation as one of the best young defensive line coaches in the country, particularly for his ability to develop pass-rushers. He has had success working with elite talent, and his focus on pass-rushing techniques could complement LSU’s overall defensive philosophy.

Jordan’s experience working with players in a variety of schemes could be particularly attractive to LSU, as they look for someone who can handle both run defense and pass-rush responsibilities. He has worked with several players who have gone on to successful careers in the NFL, which could make him an appealing option for LSU as they look to develop their defensive line talent for the next level.

3. Kenechi Udeze (Defensive Line Coach)

Kenechi Udeze, another key defensive line coach at USC, could be another intriguing option for LSU. A former USC player and NFL veteran, Udeze brings a wealth of playing experience to the table. Having played in the NFL for the Minnesota Vikings, Udeze brings firsthand knowledge of what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of football. His understanding of both the mental and physical aspects of playing defensive line could be a valuable asset to LSU’s program.

Udeze’s ability to relate to players and his reputation for developing strong, technically sound defensive linemen could make him a prime candidate for LSU. Additionally, Udeze’s success in recruiting and his network of connections throughout the country could help LSU continue its tradition of attracting top defensive line talent.

The LSU and USC Coaching Connection

While the prospect of LSU targeting a USC staffer might seem unconventional, it’s worth noting that coaching staffs frequently cross paths, especially within the college football landscape. Many successful coaches have worked together at various stops throughout their careers, and LSU and USC are both programs with extensive histories of success. Additionally, LSU’s head coach Brian Kelly has proven that he’s not afraid to go outside of the box when it comes to hiring talented coaches. His success in bringing in staff members from a variety of backgrounds and coaching trees shows that LSU is willing to explore all options when it comes to improving the program.

Moreover, the connection between USC and LSU runs deeper than just one or two coaches. Both programs share a similar philosophy in terms of developing elite talent, emphasizing discipline, and competing for championships. This shared understanding of what it takes to win at the highest level could make a move from USC to LSU a natural fit for a defensive line coach looking for the next challenge in their career.

A Bold Move for LSU?

As LSU looks to strengthen its football program, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, targeting a coach from USC could be a bold but strategic move. Coaches like Vic Koenning, Brandon Jordan, and Kenechi Udeze represent the type of experienced, proven leaders that could help LSU’s defensive line reach new heights. These coaches bring a wealth of knowledge, technical expertise, and recruiting prowess—traits that LSU values highly.

Ultimately, whether or not LSU targets a current USC Trojans staff member will depend on a variety of factors, including the program’s goals, the availability of coaches, and the fit between the coach and the team’s needs. However, the idea of LSU looking to USC for its next defensive line coach is not as far-fetched as it might initially seem. Given the trajectory of both programs and their shared commitment to success, this could be an exciting opportunity for both LSU and any potential coach looking to take their career to the next level.