Rob Ryan reaffirms confidence in USC linebackers: 'If you don't like it, fire me'

USC linebackers coach Rob Ryan has a lot of confidence in his group on his defense going into the 2025 season. Although it’s his first year with the program and the linebackers are young, Ryan looks forward to them proving a lot of people wrong.

Headlining the group is senior Eric Gentry, who’s been around the program for quite a bit now. Other projected starters include sophomores Desman Stephens II and Kameryn Fountain, who will be asked to do a lot. There’s only one other senior, Anthony Beavers Jr.

But don’t tell Ryan these guys can’t play or be up to snuff in the Big Ten. He’s ready to rock and roll with his group.

“I mean, you know, I think when you look at that, like people say, ‘well, they’ve only got the one guy who played,’ I get it, you know,” Ryan said at USC Media Day. “Nowadays, these kids are smart. They play hard. When they put that ball down, they blow the whistle. My guys will be ready. And, I mean, I know what it’s going to look like, you know. Say whatever … I’m going to say something like … My group’s going to be great, and we’re going to get after. If they don’t like it, then fire me, because I know we’re going to be good. We’re young, (but) we’re young and talented.”

The football IQ is off the charts for Ryan and his linebackers. If they’re as good and as improved as he says they are, USC could get those much needed improvements on defense.

“I think they’re all smart kids, they work hard, they’re tough, and they love football,” Ryan said. “So I mean when you got those combinations. It’ll jump off … people will be excited about the way these young men play.”

Ryan also compared head coach Lincoln Riley to Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay, in terms of offensive coaching prowess, earlier this offseason. Hence why he came aboard. The comparison makes sense, even from a location standpoint because they’re just down the street from each other.

“I’m just happy to be here. And you know, only reason I left pro football, I’ve been there for the last 25 years … This is the first time, and you know, long time that I’ve been in college football,” Ryan said. “I’m joining the best coaching staff in the country. Lincoln Riley is right there with (Sean) McVay. They’re the best offensive coaches, best best guys in the country. I don’t care what league it is, or whatever it is, that’s just the truth.

“And I’ve been around some pretty good ones. I’ve been around Bill Belichick, I’ve been around Al Davis, I’ve been around Sean Payton, all these guys. These are the best offensive coaches in the country.”