Some big names were being thrown around, but Lincoln Riley and Gary Patterson ultimately decided to hire within for their open defensive line coach position.

Skyler Jones, who was an analyst the past two seasons, is being promoted, and Shaun Nua will see his role expand with the defensive line.

Jones was an analyst for Oregon in 2023, and prior to that, he was the assistant defensive line coach with Coach Eric Henderson at the Los Angeles Rams.

Will have video dropping shortly.

https://x.com/RyanDyrudLAFB/status/2021399514989592823?s=20

There you have it. USC promotes from within for the defensive line ✌️ https://t.co/uJi8OQlKy3

— Ryan Dyrud (@RyanDyrudLAFB) February 11, 2026