USC is going with an up-and-comer to fill a spot coaching its defensive line.
The Trojans are promoting analyst Skyler Jones to defensive tackles coach, according to multiple reports, giving them a rising star on new defensive coordinator Gary Patterson’s staff.
Jones will work with defensive ends coach Shaun Nua following the departure of Eric Henderson, who took a job as defensive line coach and run game coordinator for the Washington Commanders.
“My DAWG, I’m so happy for you bro @CoachSkyJones it’s been a long time coming bro!” Henderson tweeted above a story announcing Jones’ promotion. “Your patience and grind has opened the door you’ve been working for all this time! Look at GOD the best hire @uscfb could have made! Surprised it took this long!”
Before he spent the last two seasons as an analyst with the Trojans, Jones had served in a similar role at Oregon for one season and as an assistant defensive line coach with the Rams for an additional season. He had previously spent the 2021 season as defensive line coach and recruiting coordinator at Norfolk State and three more seasons as the defensive line coach at Southern University.
Jones played defensive end at Bethany College (Kan.), serving as a team captain and earning all-conference honors. He started his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Southern, working with the defensive line.
Barring any more departures, USC’s football staff is now complete for the 2026 season.