USC football reportedly pursuing DL coach Chad Kauha’aha’a from Boise State

USC football is interested in landing Boise State’s Chad Kauha’aha’a to fill the vacant defensive line coach position, according to Football Scoop.

It was big news when USC football announced the hiring of new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, but the Trojans are still far from completing the new-look 2018 coaching staff. There remain four assistant openings, including on the defensive line.

That’s why the news out of Football Scoop on Sunday should have Trojan fans perking up their ears.

According to the Scoop, Boise State defensive line coach Chad Kauha’aha’a is a target as a replacement for Kenechi Udeze, who was let go after the 2018 season.

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“Kauha’aha’a, affectionately known to many as Chad K, is a sought after man,” the report reads. “Sources tell us Gary Andersen is hoping to be able to bring him to Utah State, USC is trying to add him to their staff and Boise State is hoping to extend his contract there. Stay tuned…”

It’s no wonder the Broncos defensive line coach has drawn attention. Boise State ranked sixth nationally in sacks in 2018. That level of performance from the defensive front holds up when looking at advanced statistics. Kauha’aha’a’s unit ranked highly in defensive line-specific stats from Football Outsiders, like 28th in line yards, 21st in opportunity rate, 27th in power success rate, 27th in stuff rate and seventh in sack rate.

Kauha’aha’a has strong experience as a defensive line coach as well. He got his start at Weber State before coaching the line at Utah State, Utah, Wisconsin and Oregon State. He joined Boise State’s staff this year.

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The link to Kauha’aha’a should be a welcome one for USC. Football Scoop had previously reported that the Trojans were interested in bringing back former graduate assistant Austin Clark, who had taken the defensive line coaching position at Illinois for 2018. Whereas Kauha’aha’a has fostered a top-rated defensive line, statistically at least, Clark’s line for the Illini has performed in the bottom of the advanced stat rankings.

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Whoever, the Trojans bring in at that position, they will have some serious pieces to work with. USC returns the likes of Christian Rector, Jay Tufele, Brandon Pili, Marlon Tuipulotu, Liam Jimmons and Jacob Lichtenstein from the current group of contributors, losing only senior Malik Dorton to graduation.