Career Timeline of Eric Henderson: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 30, 2025

Discover the career path of Eric Henderson, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Eric Charles Henderson is an American football coach currently serving as the co-defensive coordinator, defensive line coach, and run game coordinator for the USC Trojans. Prior to his role with USC, Henderson was an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Rams, indicating a successful career in both collegiate and professional football. His multiple roles within the Trojans' coaching staff highlight his expertise and significant contributions to the team's defensive strategy and player development.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2001: Redshirt Year at Georgia Tech

In 2001, Eric Henderson had a redshirt year at Georgia Tech.

2002: College Football at Georgia Tech

In 2002, Eric Henderson began playing college football at Georgia Tech for four seasons (2002-2005), including a redshirt year in 2001.

2003: Breakout Sophomore Season

In 2003, during his sophomore season at Georgia Tech, Eric Henderson started all 13 games, earned first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors with 11 sacks and 24 tackles-for-loss.

2005: Key Player for Georgia Tech

In 2005, Eric Henderson was a key performer for Georgia Tech, helping the defense rank in the Top 25 nationally in seven categories. He also played a key role in a 10–9 win over Clemson and was named ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week for the third time in his career. He helped Tech upset No. 3 Miami, holding the Hurricanes to 30 yards rushing. He also played a key role in a 10–9 win over Clemson and was named ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week for the third time in his career.

May 9, 2006: Signed with the Bengals

On May 9, 2006, Eric Henderson signed with the Cincinnati Bengals as a college free agent.

September 2, 2006: Waived by the Bengals

On September 2, 2006, Eric Henderson was waived by the Cincinnati Bengals.

2006: Preseason with the Bengals

In 2006, Eric Henderson played in all four preseason games, recording five total tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble. He did not earn an accrued year of experience toward NFL free agency because he was not on an NFL 53-player roster, a Reserve/Injured list, or a Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list for the required minimum of six games.

2006: Signed by Cincinnati Bengals

In 2006, Eric Henderson, after playing college football at Georgia Tech, was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent and played professionally for six seasons.

January 2, 2007: Signed to Bengals Offseason Roster

On January 2, 2007, Eric Henderson was signed to the Cincinnati Bengals offseason roster.

2008: Active Roster and Injury

During the 2008 season, Eric Henderson spent the first seven weeks on the Bengals' practice squad before being signed to the active roster on October 24 after Reagan Maui'a was placed on injured reserve. On December 10, Henderson was placed on season-ending injured reserve with a neck injury, finishing the 2008 season with two tackles in two games.

April 27, 2009: Released by Bengals

On April 27, 2009, Eric Henderson was released by the Cincinnati Bengals.

2009: Joins Las Vegas Locomotives

In 2009, Eric Henderson joined the Las Vegas Locomotives of the United Football League, beginning a three-season stint.

2012: Defensive Assistant at Georgia Military College

In 2012, Eric Henderson transitioned into coaching as a defensive assistant at Georgia Military College, working with the outside linebackers and secondary and helping the Bulldogs to a 7–4 record and an appearance in the C.H.A.M.P.S. Heart of Texas Bowl.

2013: Graduate Assistant at Oklahoma State

In 2013, Eric Henderson became a graduate assistant at Oklahoma State, starting a two-season tenure.

2015: Defensive Quality Control Coach at Oklahoma State

In 2015, Eric Henderson transitioned to a defensive quality control coach at Oklahoma State.

2016: Drafted Emmanuel Ogbah

In 2016, Emmanuel Ogbah, who Eric Henderson helped tutor, was drafted in the second round of the NFL draft (32nd overall) by the Cleveland Browns.

2016: Defensive Line Coach at Texas-San Antonio

In 2016, Eric Henderson served as the defensive line coach at Texas-San Antonio, where the Roadrunners went 6-6 during the regular season before facing New Mexico in the Gildan New Mexico Bowl.

2017: Assistant Defensive Line Coach for the Los Angeles Chargers

In 2017, Eric Henderson was hired by the Los Angeles Chargers to serve as their assistant defensive line coach under head coach Anthony Lynn. During his two seasons with the Chargers, he worked with Pro Bowl defensive ends Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram.

2019: Defensive Line Coach for the Los Angeles Rams

In 2019, Eric Henderson was hired by the Los Angeles Rams to serve as their defensive line coach under head coach Sean McVay.

February 2021: Named Run Game Coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams

In February 2021, Eric Henderson was named run game coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, while retaining his defensive line coaching duties.

January 15, 2024: Joins USC Trojans Football Staff

On January 15, 2024, it was announced that Eric Henderson would join the USC Trojans football staff under head coach Lincoln Riley as the co-defensive coordinator, run game coordinator, and defensive line coach.