USC is hiring longtime NFL assistant Rob Ryan as its linebackers coach, the program announced Saturday. Ryan, 62, will also hold the title of assistant head coach for defense as the Trojans enter their second season in the Big Ten needing to make more defensive strides under fourth-year head coach Lincoln Riley.

Longtime NFL defensive coordinator Rob Ryan has been named Southern California's assistant head coach for defense and linebackers coach.

With the linebackers coaching post open on his Southern Cal staff since Matt Entz departed to take over at Fresno State, Lincoln Riley and heralded defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn are working to add longtime NFL veteran Rob Ryan to coach the Trojans linebackers, FootballScoop has learned.

It will be the fifth meeting between these two programs, with the series tied 2-2, but the Trojans are 2-0 at home against the Badgers. Tip-off is set for 12:00 p.m. and will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network.

Saint Thomas and the USC Trojans (11-6, 3-3 Big Ten) will host the Wisconsin Badgers (14-3, 4-2 Big Ten) at Galen Center on Saturday, January 18. The opening tip is at 3:00 PM ET.Keep reading to