USC’s Defensive Shake-Up: Eric Henderson’s Departure Leaves a Major Void
For years, the knock on Lincoln Riley-led teams has been the same: explosive offenses, shaky defenses. It was the storyline at Oklahoma, where Riley’s Sooners lit up scoreboards but couldn’t stop anyone come playoff time. And when he brought his high-octane attack to USC, the script didn’t change much - even with a generational quarterback like Caleb Williams under center, the Trojans couldn’t field a defense capable of matching their offensive firepower.
But things finally started to shift. USC made a key move by bringing in DeShaun Foster as defensive coordinator - a hire that paid off.
Foster elevated the Trojans’ defense to a level that looked Big Ten-ready, giving the program a much-needed jolt of toughness and discipline on that side of the ball. But just as that momentum was building, Foster left to take the same role at his alma mater, Penn State.
That alone was a gut punch. But what happened next might sting even more.
Eric Henderson Heads to the NFL
On Wednesday, USC lost one of its most impactful coaches when Co-Defensive Coordinator and Defensive Line Coach Eric Henderson accepted a job with the Washington Commanders. He’ll be the defensive line coach and defensive run game coordinator in D.C., bringing his expertise back to the NFL - where he previously helped coach stars like Aaron Donald with the Rams.
And make no mistake: this is a significant loss for the Trojans, especially on the recruiting front.
Henderson wasn’t just another assistant. He was the guy when it came to defensive line recruiting.
Over the last two cycles, he helped USC land a trio of 5-star prospects in Jahkeem Stewart, Luke Wafle, and Jaimeon Winfield - a haul that positioned the Trojans to finally build a front that could go toe-to-toe with the physical lines of the Big Ten. USC has always had brand power, but Henderson brought a different edge.
He connected with elite recruits and closed deals that few other assistants could.
A Missed Opportunity?
There’s a real argument to be made that USC could’ve avoided this situation altogether. Instead of going outside the program to fill the defensive coordinator role after Foster’s departure, Lincoln Riley had an in-house rising star in Henderson. Promoting him might have locked him in long-term - and made it harder for an NFL team to lure him away with what amounts to a lateral move in title, even if the league’s pull is strong.
Now, Riley and the Trojans are left to regroup. Gary Patterson’s arrival as a veteran defensive mind brings experience, sure, but he’s stepping into a unit that just lost two major pieces - one in scheme and leadership (Foster), and one in recruiting and player development (Henderson).
What’s Next for USC?
The timing couldn’t be worse. USC is trying to cement itself as a true contender in the Big Ten and make a legitimate run at the expanded College Football Playoff. That path starts in the trenches - and losing a defensive line coach of Henderson’s caliber threatens to slow the progress they’ve made.
Now, the pressure is on. The Trojans need to make a splash with their next hire.
They can’t afford to lose the momentum they’ve built on the recruiting trail, especially with defensive linemen. If they want to compete with the Michigans and Ohio States of the world, they need to keep stacking talent - and develop it at a high level.
Henderson’s departure is more than just a coaching move. It’s a turning point. How USC responds will say a lot about where this program is headed in the post-Caleb Williams era - and whether Riley can finally build a complete team that plays championship-caliber football on both sides of the ball.