Bob Connelly hired as USC offensive line coach

Bob Connelly, Oklahoma State’s offensive line coach last season, has been hired as offensive line coach and run game coordinator at USC, Coach Steve Sarkisian announced.

Connelly replaces Tim Drevno, who left USC after one season to become offensive coordinator at Michigan under Jim Harbaugh.

Connelly, 44, has coached at Washington State, UCLA, Alabama, Texas El Paso and Arizona State.

“He is a great fit for what we do,” Sarkisian said in a statement. “He is very familiar with Pac-12 and West Coast football, and he is also very versatile as he has coached various offensive styles in his career.”

Connelly inherits a young but experienced offensive line.

The entire starting line and several backups who played extensively last season return, including rising senior center Max Tuerk, sophomore guards Viane Talamaivao, Damien Mama, junior Zach Banner and sophomore Toa Lobendahn, who started at guard and tackle.

Junior tackle Chad Wheeler, who started at left tackle, is expected to return after midseason knee surgery.