A report by FootballScoop.com on Thursday states that USC is targeting Illinois defensive line coach Austin Clark for its recently opened DL coaching position. Clark already has strong ties to Southern Cal, a member of USC's staff in 2016 and 2017 under defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast.

Clark is wrapping up his first season with the Illinois, his first assistant coaching job; the Fighting Illini finished No. 92 in the nation in total sacks (21) and No. 85 in tackles for a loss (65). Clark accepted the position after serving as a defensive graduate assistant at USC where he worked with both the defensive line and outside linebackers. A former Cal defensive tackle, Clark helped work with outside linebacker Uchenna Nwosu and and defensive end Rasheem Green – second-round and third-round picks in 2017 – and defensive tackle Stevie Tu’ikolovatu, a seventh-round selection in 2016.

Per Football Scoop:

Source tells FootballScoop Clancy Pendergast is interested in hiring Illinois defensive line coach Austin Clark. Clark, who has coached defensive line at Illinois one season, previously spent 2016 & ’17 on USC’s staff working with the defensive line and linebackers. Prior to joining the SC staff for the ’16 season, Clark spent one season as a recruiting assistant at Cal where he played defensive tackle.

Former defensive line coach Kenechi Udeze was one of three coaches fired by Helton on Tuesday, joined by defensive backs coach Ronnie Bradford and offensive coordinator/receiver coach Tee Martin. QB coach Bryan Ellis also took a job under Tyson Helton’s new staff at Western Kentucky as the OC. In Udeze's first season USC's front limited opponents to 139.6 yards rushing yards per game in 2016 and led the nation in sacks with 46 in 2017.

Clark prepped out of Plant High School in Tampa (Fla.), racking up 219 tackles as a junior and senior. Clark spent six years at Cal, plagued by injuries, before joining the Golden Bears as a recruiting assistant in 2015. Not only did Clark coach under Pendergast while at USC, he played for Pendergast during their stint together at Cal.

"Austin Clark came in for his interview and just blew us away with his enthusiasm and detail," said Illinois head coach Lovie Smith on Clark's hiring from USC. "He brings an outstanding attitude and high level of energy to our program. Our players are going to love working with Austin. He is extremely detailed and has a plan for each of the guys on the defensive line. Austin gained some great experience in his previous position, and will be a terrific addition to our staff."