USC Football 2016 Preview: Breaking Down the Coaches

Clancy Pendergast | Defensive Coordinator

Pendergast returns to USC this fall after coaching the defense back in the 2013 season. That year, the Trojans’ defense ranked in the Top 25 nationally in total defense, scoring defense, rushing defense, pass efficiency defense, sacks, interceptions, red zone scoring defense, third down conversion defense and fourth down conversion defense.

Not bad, especially for a sanction-ridden USC defense.

In addition to coaching at the collegiate level, Pendergast has worked as an offensive coordinator at the NFL level  for the Houston Oilers, Dallas Cowboys, Cleveland Browns, Arizona Cardinals, and Kansas City Chiefs; of his 24 years of coaching experience, 16 have come in the NFL.

Pendergast’s trademark as a defensive coordinator revolves around his implementation of the 5-2 defense. The 5-2 revolves around players who can serve as aggressive edge-rushers, while the defensive line is anchored by a large, stingy nose tackle — in this case, Utah transfer Stevie Tu’ikolovatu.

This scheme gave USC the top defense in the Pac-12 in 2013 and it’s emphasis on simplicity and aggression will be something to keep an eye on this upcoming season.

As he begins his third coaching stint with the Trojans, Pendergast undertakes a defense loaded with plenty of talent, but also plenty of question marks.

Defensive Position Coaches:

Kenechi Udeze | Defensive line

Udeze, a former All-American defensive lineman during his playing days at USC, leads a D-line unit that was one of the mores speculated areas of concern entering last spring. T

he Trojan defensive line received several new pieces over the offseason which helped bolster its depth including Tu’ikolovatu and offensive lineman Khaliel Rodgers.

Udeze’s leadership over this young, and mostly inexperienced, front line will be crucial to its success this fall. After coaching the D-line on short notice for last season’s Holiday Bowl, Udeze was handed the permanent coaching role.

Johnny Nansen | Linebackers

Nansen is entering his third year as a coach for the Trojans.

In working with the linebackers in Pendergast’s 5-2 scheme, expect Nansen to emphasize aggressive edge rushing from his players; he certainly has the right personnel and talent to do so.

He coaches USC’s running backs last season.

Ronnie Bradford | Defensive Backs

Bradford, who joined the USC staff in January, brings an NFL pedigree to his USC secondary unit. He played in the League for ten seasons from 1993 to 2002.

He also has 12 years of combined coaching experience at both the NCAA and NFL level, coaching special teams and the secondary units for the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs before spending time with Cal, Memphis and Louisiana Tech.