USC football’s hiring of Chris Claiborne and Hayes Pullard was met with celebration.
USC football had reason to celebrate on Thursday. It wasn’t just because there are 100 days until the Trojans return to action (there are), but because they added two former linebacker greats to the coaching staff.
Chris Claiborne and Hayes Pullard were officially announced as quality control analysts, boosting the Trojan support staff with two ex-players who know what USC football is all about.
Naturally, Twitter reacted to the news with plenty of joy.
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Let’s check out the best of the social media response…
How USC football figures reacted to Chris Claiborne, Hayes Pullard hiring
Trojan family, please welcome (back) these two new additions to our football staff!#FightOn ✌️ pic.twitter.com/iAMexmBWuX
— USC Football (@USC_FB) May 28, 2020
Here’s what USC’s coaches had to say about their new co-workers:
https://twitter.com/Coach_Sooto/status/1266053007998881793
Let’s get to work men!!! #FightOn ✌️ https://t.co/ogn9Dx09jX pic.twitter.com/fNkDoYL89X
— Trey Johnson (@ThisIsTreyJ) May 28, 2020
#Crenshaw in the building... The Marathon will continue... ?✌? https://t.co/EyrwI0UncU
— gavin morris (@DaGman7) May 28, 2020
Welcome home ✌? #TrojanFAMILY https://t.co/r9NQq5surG
— Viane Talamaivao (@CoachV_USC) May 28, 2020
From LA, FOR LA!! Let’s ride @HayesPullard #FightOn✌️ https://t.co/1v7OI4yMSf
— John David Baker (@coach_jdbaker) May 28, 2020
People in the media offered their impression of Pullard and Claiborne joining the staff.
Chris Claiborne is a big hire for #USC. He’s an excellent tactician with close ties to the HS game (helped Calabasas HS go to another level). Expect him to climb the ladder quickly ✌? https://t.co/ZhdFlvEFeh
— Bucky Brooks (@BuckyBrooks) May 28, 2020
Few players I covered at USC genuinely loved the school as much as @HayesPullard. Good to see him back. This story I wrote on him was one of my favorites during my year freelancing with Rivalshttps://t.co/B0FQy5vHEA
— Mike Piellucci (@mikelikessports) May 28, 2020
I'd spoken to Hayes Pullard for another football project I was working on a few weeks back. After chatting with him for awhile about a bunch of stuff, I can definitely see him being really impactful with college kids.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) May 28, 2020
Some huge additions to the @USC_FB staff.
— Sam Farber (@SamFarberLive) May 28, 2020
Chris Claiborne( @fratboyzprez55 ) did a great job getting @CalabasasFtball to @CIFSS D1. https://t.co/fUW2QvBWU5
Chris Claiborne AND Donte Williams recruiting for SC now? https://t.co/g7LE1QCLfp
— Josh An (@_imjoshan) May 28, 2020
Fans had plenty to say and excitement to share about the new additions.
Been waiting for Chris Claiborne to get hired here for a long time. Pullard is just the icing on the cake. Fight On! Welcome back Chris and Hayes!!
— Mike Morales (@mkmora67) May 28, 2020
Hayes (@HayesPullard) & Chris.
— James Tate (@jamesgtate) May 28, 2020
Let’s go!!!
✌️? pic.twitter.com/Bxoh27wTac
Oooooooooh boy!!!! This is going to make a great staff better!!! Two great former Tdojans who will teach our players to become better and teach them the Trojan Way! Congratulations to @fratboyzprez55 and @HayesPullard two 9f the best to ever wear the Cardinal and Gold! #FightOn! pic.twitter.com/Rd1MZf5jBI
— Martín (@Mmart87529653) May 28, 2020
Bohn and Sosna making all the right moves (after December 2019). Needle pointing in right direction.
— fight on forever (@gouxforever) May 28, 2020
Pullard is getting his first chance in coaching after a four-year career in the NFL.
His track record at USC should have people excited about his potential in the coaching realm. His election as a two-time captain speaks to his ability to lead. His status as a four-year starter shows his immediate and lasting grasp of the defense.
As for Claiborne, he is one of the great linebackers in USC history and a member of the illustrious Club 55. He was an All-American and won the Butkus Award as the nation’s top linebacker in 1998. He went on to play eight years in the NFL.
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The history with USC would be enough to make Claiborne a welcome addition to the staff, but he brings even more to the table. He was the head coach at Calabasas High School and has strong ties to the local recruiting scene given his history as an assistant at Corona, Oaks Christian and Long Beach Poly.