Roy Manning announces departure from USC
USC rush ends coach Roy Manning posted a heartfelt thank you and goodbye to USC fans, coaches and players on social media this evening, signaling an end to his time as an assistant coach with the Trojans.
“I’d like to thank coach Riley and the entire coaching & support staff that I’ve had the opportunity to work with and learn from for the past 5 years,” Manning wrote in a social media graphic. “I hope that my energy and presence made a positive impact each and every day both in the office and on the field.
“To USC, the fan base, and supporters: You are first class and I truly appreciate the love and passion you all have for this prestigious place. Thank you for welcoming me and my family into your program.
Last, but most importantly, I’d like to thank all the players I have recruited, coached and been around. I pride myself on teaching you guys every detail I know about our great game. I trust you will hold on to my football lessons and our life talks that extend far beyond Xs and Os. I’m always here for you in whatever way you need me to be. You guys are the magic that makes it all go. You guys are the reason we (coaches) show up every day. Never doubt yourself. Never want it to be easy. Never stop believing that what’s coming is better… I’ll do the same.”
While it’s not a surprise for a coaching staff to change when a new coordinator is hired, this move does come as something of a shock. Manning has been arguably the program’s best recruiter during his two-year stint with the Trojans, landing a number of impactful edge defenders including Braylan Shelby and DJ Peevy in 2023 and Kameryn Fountain, Elijah Newby and Lorenzo Cowan in 2024, plus several transfer portal additions.
Manning began coaching with USC head coach Lincoln Riley during the 2019 season at Oklahoma. He was one of several assistant coaches Riley brought from Norman to Los Angeles to get things up and running at USC.
