Meet the Hanson family, the secret to USC’s o-line success

Navigating Parenthood and Professionalism: The Story of Zach and Annie Hanson at USC

As the USC football team approaches the Alamo Bowl, significant challenges loom on the horizon. Offensive line coach Zach Hanson is dealing with a feverish 1-year-old, Rock, as he and his wife, Annie, prepare for the Trojans’ game against Texas Christian. The couple understands that timing is never perfect in college football, especially when the transfer portal opens just three days after the bowl game. With one of Zach’s assistants already leaving and interest from his alma mater, Kansas State, it’s a chaotic time for the Hansons amid a transformative season at USC.

Zach and Annie’s journey has been filled with adaptability and resilience, attributes they’ve developed over the years. Their relationship began in 2014 at an Eric Church concert. Despite the geographical barriers of Annie’s commitments in Oklahoma and Zach’s roles at Kansas State and North Carolina, their determination to stay connected fueled their professional and personal aspirations. The couple faced hurdles beyond just distance, including a life-altering moment when Annie experienced a serious health scare just before the start of the football season.

As they embarked on a new chapter with the birth of Rock in December 2022, the timing couldn’t have been more hectic. Zach stepped into a challenging role as offensive line coach, and soon they found themselves navigating life in Las Vegas with a newborn during bowl season. Through these transitions, both have learned to embrace the unpredictability of college football and parenting. Their supportive partnership has been a bedrock, allowing them to tackle adversities together as they continually strive for success in their coaching careers.

Zach has proven to be an invaluable asset to USC despite significant injuries that have plagued the offensive line throughout the season. Rather than falter, he reshuffled his players and optimized chemistry, guiding the team to a stellar performance. Under his leadership, the offensive line has had its best season since 2022, allowing just 15 sacks and achieving an impressive average of 5.29 yards per carry, the highest in over a decade. This success can be attributed to not only his coaching skills but also the relationships he has built with his players by fostering a culture of trust and support.

The Hansons have gone above and beyond to make their players feel valued and respected. Zach emphasizes the importance of camaraderie among his offensive unit, often hosting dinners at their home and celebrating each lineman’s birthday with personalized cakes. These efforts have paid off, as players like guard Alani Noa appreciate the open communication and genuine care that defines Zach’s coaching style. This approach has enhanced the team’s performance, allowing Zach to effectively navigate challenges posed by injuries and roster changes throughout the season.

While Zach has found success at USC, he is also garnering interest from Kansas State, a prospect he views with affection but not urgency. The Hansons are deeply grateful for the opportunities presented to them at USC and recognize how the support from the Riley family has facilitated their journey. As Zach reflects on his career aspirations and potential changes on the horizon, both he and Annie maintain a steadfast commitment to their family and their roles at USC. This unwavering devotion highlights their philosophy of fully engaging with their surroundings, both in their personal lives and professional duties.

In these final days leading to the Alamo Bowl, the Hansons remain focused on the task at hand—supporting USC while caring for their growing family. With Rock attending games and being a part of the USC legacy, they embody the spirit of dedication and teamwork. The upcoming game will challenge them, but their experiences have fortified their bond and resilience. As they move forward, the couple’s commitment to their roles in college football and parenting illustrates the beauty of pursuing dreams while navigating life’s obstacles together.