Annie Hanson, USC’s executive director of football recruiting, stepped down Tuesday. Hanson is the wife of USC offensive line coach Zach Hanson, and the couple recently welcomed their first child. 

Hanson made the announcement on social media, writing:

After much prayer and support from my USC family, I’ve made the difficult decision to step back from my role as Executive Director of Recruiting to honor my responsibilities as a mom to our new baby, Rock, and wife to my amazing husband, Zach.

While this decision wasn’t easy, I’m filled with excitement for the continued growth of USC football and all that lies ahead for our program. These last eight seasons—winning and chasing championships under Coach Riley’s leadership—have been incredibly rewarding. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside so many extraordinary people, and I’m deeply grateful for the excellence, togetherness, creativity, grit, and passion that define the Trojan Family.

I am looking forward to supporting our team in an alternative role and will be cheering for our leadership team as they position our people and program for greatness. And while my days in college football aren’t over, I want to thank every coach, coach’s wife, teammate, mentor, player, recruit, and family member who has been a part of our journey. A special thanks to our immediate family, who has made countless sacrifices to allow me to do what I love. I’m beyond grateful and excited for the next season ahead!

With love, Annie

Hanson followed Lincoln Riley from Oklahoma when Riley was hired by USC in November of 2021. She spent the last three seasons at USC and the previous five at Oklahoma. With the Sooners, Hanson was an assistant athletic director who worked in recruiting strategy and administrative engagement. She has also worked at North Carolina, Kansas State, Nebraska and with the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars during her career.

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At USC, Hanson worked mainly in high school recruiting, including being the point person in charge of USC’s sometimes opulent official and unofficial visits that often drew rave reviews. She helped USC land the No. 7 ranked high school class in 2023, the No. 20 ranked class in 2024 and the No. 16 ranked class in 2025. 

With USC hiring Chad Bowen as the team’s general manager last Friday, the Trojans’ recruiting and personnel staff will look different moving forward. Former general manager Dave Emerick was moved to a different role and now Hanson has stepped away. More changes could still be on the horizon.