Lincoln Riley finalizes USC football coaching staff

USC football coach Lincoln Riley made a handful of moves official Tuesday in finalizing his staff before a pivotal 2026 season.

Riley announced the hiring of Mike Ekeler as special teams coordinator and linebackers coach; Paul Gonzales as safeties coach and defensive pass game coordinator; and Skyler Jones as defensive tackles coach.

All three assistants will work under new defensive coordinator Gary Patterson as the Trojans continue their efforts to improve on that side of the ball while reaching the College Football Playoff for the first time.

Ekeler is returning to USC more than a decade after he served as linebackers coach under Lane Kiffin in 2013. The midseason dismissal of Kiffin prompted Ekeler to leave for Georgia prior to the following season. Most recently, Ekeler had been special teams coordinator for Nebraska, presiding over a unit that blocked three field goals and two punts in 2025 while not allowing any blocked punts or field goals.

Jones’ new role is a promotion after he had spent the last two seasons as an analyst on the Trojans’ defensive staff. He worked extensively with standout freshman defensive tackle Jahkeem Stewart and contributed to the defense’s upward trajectory under defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn.

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“We are thrilled for Skyler,” Riley said of the assistant who replaces Eric Henderson, who departed for the NFL’s Washington Commanders.

“He has earned this opportunity by consistently developing high-level performers, building meaningful relationships with our players, and demonstrating his commitment to the standard of excellence we expect in our program. He will continue to enhance our defensive line and elevate the talent in our room.”

Gonzales will be reunited with Patterson after the pair worked together for a decade at TCU. Gonzales worked as safeties and cornerbacks coach for the Horned Frogs, with six of his safeties going on to play in the NFL.

Last season, Gonzales served as the defensive passing game coordinator and cornerbacks coach at Baylor. He replaces Doug Belk, who is expected to become the Denver Broncos’ new defensive backs coach.

Ekeler replaces Ryan Dougherty as special teams coordinator and Rob Ryan as linebackers coach. Ryan is reportedly expected to remain on staff in an analyst role.

USC’s special teams had struggled last season in certain areas. The Trojans ranked No. 129 nationally in kickoff coverage and No. 132 in punt coverage. But kicker Ryon Sayeri was superb, making a school-record 21 field goals. Sayeri will return in 2026 and be joined by punter Lachlan Carrigan, a transfer from Memphis.

Nebraska’s special teams were stellar across the board under Ekeler last season. The Cornhuskers ranked No. 12 nationally in kickoff coverage and No. 13 in kickoff returns. The team’s 341 punt return yards topped its totals from the previous five seasons combined.