LIVE: USC Loses Key Defensive Coach to College Football Powerhouse!
Big moves are happening in the college football world, and USC is at the center of it once again! While the Trojans secured fresh defensive talent on February’s National Signing Day, they’re now saying goodbye to a crucial assistant—Bryson Allen-Williams is heading to one of the sport’s biggest powerhouses.
College football insider Matt Zenitz (247Sports) broke the news Wednesday: Allen-Williams, USC’s assistant linebackers coach, is set to join Georgia, marking a return to his home state.
From Georgia Star to Gamecock Captain—Now Back Home
A Cedar Grove High School product from Dekalb County, GA, Allen-Williams was a top talent in the 2014 recruiting class, ranked as Georgia’s No. 6 overall prospect. At 6-foot-1 and 222 pounds, the four-star recruit was also a U.S. Army All-American before committing to South Carolina.
During his time with the Gamecocks, he became a team captain and defensive leader, suiting up in 49 games over five seasons. His impact? 176 total tackles, 111 solo stops, and 29 tackles for loss.
Now, after two seasons at USC, he’s making a move.
Big Loss for USC Linebackers Room
Under Allen-Williams’ guidance, linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold had a breakout 2024 season, leading the Trojans with 94 tackles, three sacks, and two interceptions. Mason Cobb also thrived under his leadership, racking up 72 tackles.
USC won’t be left scrambling, though. Enter Rob Ryan—the longtime NFL defensive coordinator who officially joined Lincoln Riley’s staff on January 18. Ryan, a coaching veteran, will take on a bigger role with the linebackers, marking his return to college football for the first time since his 1999 stint at Oklahoma State.
Kirby Smart Strikes Again!
This isn’t the first time Georgia head coach Kirby Smart has poached from USC’s defensive staff. He previously lured Donte Williams, the Trojans’ former interim head coach and defensive backs coach, ahead of the 2024 season.
For Allen-Williams, this move is a homecoming. His coaching career started in Georgia State’s program as a graduate assistant before stops at North Carolina and, eventually, USC under Lincoln Riley.
Now, the Bulldogs add another key defensive mind to their arsenal. USC, meanwhile, will look to Ryan’s NFL pedigree to keep the linebacker unit strong.
Stay tuned—this coaching carousel is far from over!
