Eric Henderson joined the Rams as their defensive line coach in 2019 and immediately became a beloved member of Sean McVay’s coaching staff. Shortly after the Rams’ season ended with their loss to the Lions, Henderson was hired by USC as their co-defensive coordinator.
It was a shocking loss for the Rams, who had one of the best defensive lines in football under Henderson’s guidance over the last five years. With Raheem Morris being viewed as a head coaching candidate, some even saw Henderson as a potential replacement as the Rams’ defensive coordinator.
On Thursday, Henderson spoke with members of the media and said joining USC’s staff was “a no-brainer” for him, seeking the next challenge in his career.
“It just made sense, he said.
Eric Henderson calls joining USC from the LA Rams a "no brainer."
— Connor Morrissette (@C_Morrissette) February 15, 2024
"It just made sense," Defensive line coach/Co- DC Eric Henderson on his move from the Rams to #USC. "I'm always looking for challenges in my career," he said.
— Antonio Morales (@AntonioCMorales) February 15, 2024
Even though he’s no longer on the Rams’ coaching staff, Henderson remains a big backer of Kobie Turner – the team’s stud third-round defensive tackle who led all rookies with nine sacks in 2023.
Henderson told reporters that Turner “should have won Defensive Rookie of the Year,” a case he made throughout the season.
Rams DT Kobie Turner “should have won Rookie Defensive Player of the Year.”
USC defensive line coach Eric Henderson isn’t letting that one go unmentioned.
— Ahmad Akkaoui (@AhmadMAkkaoui) February 15, 2024