USC has a new hire on its defensive staff, and it's a former NFL offensive coordinator.
Jim Hostler is joining the Trojans' staff as a defensive analyst, Bruce Feldman of The Athletic reported Thursday.
Hostler is a 35-year veteran of the profession, and has coached in the NFL continuously since 2000, primarily as a wide receivers coach. Hostler manned that position for the New Orleans Saints, New York Jets, Baltimore Ravens, Indianapolis Colts, Carolina Panthers, and Washington Commanders. He also coached quarterbacks for the Jets and San Francisco 49ers, and coached tight ends for the Colts.
Hostler was the 49ers' offensive coordinator in 2007, and spent 2023 as a senior offensive assistant for the Detroit Lions after working in the same role for the previous two seasons with the Commanders.
Seeing as Hostler's only defensive coaching experience is two seasons as Indiana University of Pennsylvania's linebackers coach from 1997-98, it seems Hostler's role in Heritage Hall will be to provide USC's 34-year-old defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn with self-scouting and an experienced sounding board to bounced ideas off.
USC also hired former Oregon analyst, Norfolk State defensive line coach and LA Rams assistant D-line coach Skyler Jones as an analyst this offseason, and also emplys former Trojans safety Taylor Mays as a defensive analyst.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.