USF Athletics

John Hendrick joined the University of South Florida football program on March 3, 2007.

Hendrick, who left his post as defensive coordinator at South Carolina State, worked with the defensive line in coordination with assistant coach/defensive ends Kevin Patrick during much of the 2008 season.

During the 2008 year, he also took oversight of the Bulls special teams and has shifted into that the full-time of special teams coordinator for 2009.

Hendrick owns an impressive coaching and playing resume. He was an all-conference defensive lineman on two occasions, while playing at Pitt from 1979-81. 

“John Hendrick is another talented and trusted assistant coach and we are fortunate that he is joining our staff,” said USF head coach Jim Leavitt. “He has been a good friend for many years and I have always admired his work ethic and coaching pedigree."

He is another coach with previous ties to Coach Leavitt.  The 28-year veteran coached at Kansas State from 1991-92, when Leavitt was co-defensive coordinator with Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops.

His SC State Bulldogs held opponents to 19.6 points and 287.1 yards per game. They also intercepted 11 passes, forced 19 fumbles, recovered 11 fumbles and collected 17 sacks.  SC State finished the 2007 season with a 7-4 record, including outscoring opponents 138-49 in three consecutive victories to close the season.

Prior to joining the staff at South Carolina State, Hendrick served four years (2003-06) as head coach for Benedict College in Columbia, SC, where he compiled an 18-24 mark.

Hendrick also served college coaching stints at Mississippi State (1995-02), Temple (1993-94), Louisiana State (1989-90), Texas A&M (1987-88), Pittsburgh (1984-85) and Delaware State (1983).
 
In addition, he coached for both the Philadelphia Eagles and the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League. During eight seasons at Mississippi State, seven as defensive line coach, Hendrick proved to be an integral part of MSU’s rise to the nation’s lead in total defense and rushing defense in 1999. Under his guidance, MSU’s first line defense allowed only 222.5 yards in opponent total offense and 66.9 yards of rushing offense to its foes. MSU’s defense led the Southeastern Conference in every category.
 
Hendrick is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh where he earned All-East honors as a defensive lineman twice in 1980 and 1981.
 
Hendrick and his wife, Katherine Steele-Hendrick are the parents of two children Amber and John.