USC Promotes Skyler Jones as New Defensive Line Coach

Jones has been with the Trojans as an analyst working with the defensive line for two seasons.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The USC Trojans have promoted defensive analyst Skyler Jones to defensive line coach following the departure of Eric Henderson to the Washington Commanders. Jones has worked closely with Henderson coaching the USC interior linemen, so there will be plenty of familiarity between him and the players.

Why it matters

This internal promotion of Skyler Jones is seen as a positive move by the USC players who have connected with him over the past two seasons. Jones has prior experience as a defensive line coach and is expected to provide continuity for the Trojans' defensive line.

The details

Before USC, Jones was a defensive analyst for the Oregon Ducks in 2023 and the assistant defensive line coach for the Los Angeles Rams in 2022. He was also the defensive line coach and recruiting coordinator for Norfolk State in 2021 and the defensive line coach at Southern University from 2018-2021.

  • Jones has been with the Trojans as an analyst working with the defensive line for two seasons.
  • Jones worked hand-in-hand with former defensive line coach Eric Henderson in 2024 and 2025.

The players

Skyler Jones

The new defensive line coach for the USC Trojans, having been promoted from his previous role as a defensive analyst.

Eric Henderson

The former defensive line coach for the USC Trojans, who has departed to take a job with the Washington Commanders.

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The takeaway

This internal promotion of Skyler Jones is seen as a positive move by the USC players who have connected with him over the past two seasons, and it is expected to provide continuity for the Trojans' defensive line.