The USC Trojans continue making moves in adding to their defensive staff. Earlier on Saturday, Coach Donte Williams announced on X.com that he was leaving the USC Football program. It was later reported that he will be taking the DB Coaching job for the University of Georgia.
Almost simultaneously, it was announced that USC was hiring Doug Belk as their new secondary coach. Belk most recently served as the associate head coach/defensive coordinator at Houston.
“Doug Belk is another tremendous addition to our staff,” said Riley. “His impressive body of work and reputation as a high-level coach and recruiter speak for themselves. I’m excited to welcome him to USC.”
USC Football Secondary Coach Doug Belk’s Resume
Belk has been considered one of the biggest rising stars in college football’s coaching landscape. He spent the previous 5 seasons at Houston and has held the associate head coach/defensive coordinator role since 2021. From 2019-20, he was a co-defensive coordinator.
During his time as the defensive or co-defensive coordinator, Belk mentored 13 All-American Athletic Conference honorees, including 5 First Team selections, and 8 All-Big 12 Conference honorees.
Belk has watched 5 players from his defense get drafted into the NFL, including DL Payton Turner who was taken in the first round by the New Orleans Saints.
In 2021, the Houston defense ranked 6th nationally in terms of total yards allowed with 302.2 per game. They ranked 18th in the nation, allowing only 194 yards per game through the air. Their 20.5 points per game allowed ranked 19th. The defensive line garnered 45 sacks, which ranked 5th in the country.
At the completion of that season, Belk was named a semifinalist for the Broyles Award and was on the 2022 summer edition of Dave Campbell’s Texas Football 40 Under 40 list.
In 2022, Houston’s defense ranked 11th nationally. DL D’Anthony Jones led the nation in forced fumbles and DB Jayce Rogers finished second in the conference in interceptions. Four Houston defenders earned all-conference honors during 2022 including Jones as a First Team honoree.
In 2023, DB A.J. Haulcy finished the regular season ranked No. 4 in the nation and No. 1 in the AAC in solo tackles (6.1), while DL Nelson Ceaser was No. 9 in the nation and No. 1 in the AAC in sacks (6.1).
Doug Belk is another really solid hire for Lincoln Riley and D’Anton Lynn. The tandem seems to be cleaning house from last year’s defensive staff and is adding really talented teachers and experienced coaches.