Former Trojans Linebackers Chris Claiborne and Hayes Pullard to join the USC Football Coaching Staff

USC was serious about providing the resources and tools to turn around the football program. One of the biggest signs of that have been the hires made to the Trojans football staff. On paper they have been home run hires. Thursday afternoon, two more additional hires to the staff.

USC Football announced the hire of Chris Claiborne and Hayes Pullard to the coaching staff. Both were former linebackers that had solid careers with the Trojans. Pullard will assume the role of defensive quality control analyst while Claiborne takes the same position on the offensive side.

Claiborne brings a long lasting legacy to the Trojans coaching staff. He was USC’s first Butkus award winner in 1998, a former Pac-12 defensive player of the year, and unanimous All-American. Not to mention he did all of this while wearing the famed No. 55. Claiborne was drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions. From there he spent 8 years in the league before starting his coaching career at Oaks Christian in 2013. In 2014 Claiborne took over as defensive coordinator at Calabasas High School, 2018 he took over as the head coach before resigning a year later to pursue college coaching opportunities. Claiborne could be a key addition for Graham Harrell and the USC offense, due to his defensive background. He could also add to the Trojans recruiting which is already making a strong showing with the work of Donte Williams and Todd Orlando.

For Pullard, this will be his first coaching job following a four year career in the NFL. Pullard has a strong career at USC as a four year starter during the 2011-2014 seasons. He led Trojans in tackles for three years and was a two time captain in 2013 and 2014.

Both bring strong history and successful careers as Trojans during their playing days. They now can add to the Trojans on the field and in recruiting. They also join a long list of former Trojan players that are current on Clay Helton’s coaching staff which includes Keray Colbert, Christian Tupou, Michael Hutchings, Viane Talamaivao, Lenny Vandermade, and Dane Stevens.