On Feb. 5, USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley and newly hired general manager Chad Bowen made media appearances, but it was linebackers coach Rob Ryan’s energy that truly stole the show.
Making his first appearance with the media since being hired on Jan. 18, Ryan’s speech was so interesting that a video of it quickly went viral.
Lane Kiffin’s Reaction to Rob Ryan’s Rant
After watching the viral video, Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin couldn’t resist taking to X. He found Ryan’s speech amusing and suggested Ryan “should have his own show.” Kiffin shared the clip on his X account, joking that someone couldn’t tell if the video was AI-generated or not.
Someone sent me and said is this real or A.I. I said that’s definitely real Just Rob being Rob. Should have his own TV show . 🤣 ✌️@uscfb https://t.co/H6IpcOD4cW
— Lane Kiffin (@Lane_Kiffin) February 6, 2025
“Someone sent me and said, is this real or A.I.? I said that’s definitely real. Just Rob being Rob. Should have his own TV show,” Kiffin posted.
Ryan undoubtedly had a great time during his debut media appearance as a member of the USC staff. He was lively and shared an entertaining story about coaching USC QB Jayden Maiava’s uncle, Kaluka Maiava.
Ryan moved around the podium as if in a team meeting room and even changed his voice when impersonating Kaluka. He also talked about his initial weeks on the recruiting trail with USC defensive line coach Eric Henderson, whom he nicknamed “Pete Carroll” because of his popularity in recruiting circles.
Rob Ryan’s Aura Truly Runs in the Family
Given his football lineage, it’s no surprise Ryan has such a captivating personality. His father, Buddy Ryan, was a football icon who coached the Minnesota Vikings’ formidable defensive line in the 1970s, known as the “Purple People Eaters.”
He also served as the defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears during their dominant 1985 Super Bowl run before becoming the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. Buddy Ryan is also infamously known for his sideline altercation with offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride while with the Houston Oilers in 1993.
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Rob’s twin brother, Rex Ryan, is also famous in football. As head coach for the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills, he provided countless memorable sound bites. Now, Rex is a prominent TV personality for ESPN during the NFL season, never shying away from speaking his mind.
Kiffin’s suggestion that Rob Ryan should start his show might not be a wild idea after all. Ryan is no stranger to the broadcasting world, having spent several years with FOX Sports and Sky Sports. Combine this with the fact that Rob will be coaching in Los Angeles, miles away from Hollywood, and it sounds like a reality show could be in the cards.
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