USC Trojans Welcome Chad Savage as New Tight Ends Coach: A Game-Changer in Recruiting
LOS ANGELES, CA – The USC Trojans have added a key piece to their coaching staff, hiring Chad Savage as their new Tight Ends and Inside Receivers Coach. This comes after former Tight Ends Coach Zach Hanson transitioned to Offensive Line Coach. Savage, who previously served as the Wide Receivers Coach at Colorado State, brings a wealth of experience and an impressive recruiting pedigree to the Trojans.
Lincoln Riley’s Endorsement
Head Coach Lincoln Riley expressed his excitement about Savage’s arrival, calling him a “rising star” in the coaching world.
“Chad Savage is a talented coach who will be a tremendous addition to our staff,” Riley stated. “He’s a rising star in the business with deep recruiting connections in Southern California. We’re excited to welcome him to USC.”
While Savage’s track record in developing talent speaks for itself, it’s Riley’s emphasis on his “deep recruiting connections in Southern California” that has fans and analysts buzzing.
A Proven Recruiter
Savage has made a name for himself as a top recruiter, earning the Mountain West Recruiter of the Year award for three consecutive years. During his tenure at Colorado State, Savage prioritized building strong relationships with Southern California high school coaches, a strategy that could pay significant dividends at USC.
His approach to recruiting is both methodical and personal. On a past episode of the Illegal Motion Podcast on the Bleav Podcast Network, Savage shared insight into his recruiting philosophy:
“One thing I do is I’ll make a circle… I’ll make a little diagram off your name and identify five things important to your decision. It could be location, your parents’ influence, playing time, a certain degree—whatever it is, I’ll make sure to touch on those. Then I also use a 75-week plan, from when we start talking until signing day, to highlight something every week—whether it’s the city, NFL players Coach Norvell has coached, or guys I’ve coached now in the NFL.”
Savage’s meticulous and personalized approach is more than just about selling a player on the program; it’s about building trust and relationships that last through the entire recruitment process.
Recruiting Excellence at USC
Savage’s success at Colorado State, where the Rams consistently landed Top 3 recruiting classes in the Mountain West from 2022-2025, is a strong indicator of what he can achieve at USC. In an era where Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) plays a significant role, Savage’s strategic recruiting plans are expected to elevate the Trojans’ efforts.
With Lincoln Riley and Eric Henderson already leading the charge as strong recruiters, Savage’s addition provides USC with another edge. His ability to keep recruits committed all the way to signing day could make a significant impact as the Trojans look to dominate both on the field and on the recruiting trail.
A Game-Changer for the Trojans
Savage’s appointment signals a commitment by USC to bolster their coaching and recruiting staff, ensuring they remain competitive at the national level. With a coach who combines talent development, strategic planning, and deep ties to Southern California, the Trojans are poised to strengthen their recruiting footprint and build a brighter future.
