Eric Henderson has officially departed from the USC Trojans, taking on a new role as the defensive line coach and defensive run game coordinator for the Washington Commanders. This transition marks Henderson”s return to the NFL after two seasons leading the Trojans” defensive line, where he played a crucial role in their success.
Henderson”s coaching career includes five years in the NFL with the Los Angeles Chargers and the Los Angeles Rams prior to joining USC in 2024. His departure was anticipated, as he had expressed ambitions to ascend to a defensive coordinator position or return to the professional ranks.
In light of Henderson”s exit, the Trojans are now focusing on potential candidates to fill the vacant coaching position. One name generating buzz is Zarnell Fitch, the defensive line coach at Texas Tech, who will not return next season. Fitch has spent the last four seasons with the Red Raiders under head coach Joey McGuire. During his tenure, he helped Texas Tech achieve impressive statistics, including leading the nation in rushing yards allowed per game and tying for fourth in rushing touchdowns allowed.
Fitch”s track record includes coaching standout defensive lineman Lee Hunter, who earned Second Team All-Big-12 honors in 2024 and later became a First Team All-American in 2025. Hunter is currently projected as a potential first-round pick in the upcoming draft. Before his time at Texas Tech, Fitch served for six seasons at TCU, where he worked under the Trojans” new defensive coordinator, Gary Patterson.
Patterson has already begun reshaping the coaching staff by bringing in Paul Gonzales, a former defensive backs assistant at TCU, who is now expected to fill a position within USC”s defensive unit. Gonzales previously coached at Baylor as the pass game coordinator and cornerbacks coach.
Additionally, USC is set to hire Sam Carter, the safeties coach from Louisiana Tech, who has a background as an All-Big-12 safety at TCU during Patterson”s early years.
Henderson”s impactful recruiting efforts were pivotal in attracting talent to USC, notably establishing a strong connection with defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart, who was influenced to sign with the Trojans due to their shared New Orleans roots. Henderson also secured commitments from five-star edge rusher Luke Wafle and several other highly-rated defensive prospects.
The Trojans now face the challenge of finding a suitable replacement for Henderson, who was instrumental in their recruitment strategy and player development. This next hire will be critical for enhancing the interior defensive line, which requires improvements in toughness and gap discipline heading into the next season.
With a blend of veteran and young talent within the program, USC”s success will hinge on identifying a coach capable of maximizing the potential of its defensive linemen.
