Udeze returns to USC as defensive line coach


USC football’s coaching staff is now complete after head coach Clay Helton announced the hiring of Kenechi Udeze, a former Trojans’ All-American defensive end, as defensive line coach.

Udeze served as an assistant strength and conditioning coach for USC last season. He spent three seasons playing for the Trojans from 2001-2003 before declaring for the NFL draft as a redshirt junior.

Helton lauded Udeze’s effectiveness in preparing for the Holiday Bowl and his bright future as a coach.

“There are times in your career when you meet someone and just know that they are going to be a superstar in the profession,” Helton said. “Kenechi is that person. I was blown away by his attention to detail with technique and fundamentals in our recent bowl game preparation … His knowledge of the game is something that is going to be critical to the development of our young defensive line. Kenechi is a Trojan to the core and his passion for USC is felt by all.”

The 32 year-old Udeze was a star during his playing days at USC, where he achieved numerous accolades anchoring former coach Pete Carroll’s defense. He was named to the Freshman All-American second team and as a sophomore, made the All-Pac-10 second team. He had a strong junior campaign, helping the Trojans win a national championship in 2003 when he became the first USC defensive end to be named to the All-American first team since Tim Ryan in 1989. Udeze also led the nation in sacks, averaging 1.3 a game. Over the course of his playing career, he recorded 28 sacks, and his 14 forced fumbles is tied for an NCAA record.

However, Udeze’s NFL career was cut short after he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2008. As the 20th overall pick by Minnesota in 2004, he spent four seasons with the Vikings, where he started in 47 of 51 games. Udeze retired in 2009 after a brief comeback attempt.

Since then, he has served as a coach in some capacity at the collegiate or pro level. After spending three years with the Washington Huskies as an assistant strength and conditioning coach, Udeze worked as an assistant with the Seahawks, Vikings, Steelers and Bills in the NFL.

“You want to make an impact wherever you are, but really, I think it kind of hits home a little more because you see yourself in these young men,” Udeze told the Los Angeles Times when he returned to USC as an assistant strength and conditioning coach last year. “As clueless as they may be coming from high school, like I was, it’s really good to give them what they need.”

With Udeze onboard, Helton appears finished assembling his new coaching staff. Udeze will join Clancy Pendergast, Johnny Nansen, Ronnie Bradford and John Baxter as defensive assistants. The team’s attention will now turn to National Signing Day, a week from Wednesday.