Overview
- Multiple outlets report USC and former TCU coach Gary Patterson are working to finalize a defensive coordinator deal, with no official announcement yet.
- Patterson, a recent College Football Hall of Fame inductee and TCU’s winningest coach at 181-79, is known for his 4-2-5 defensive scheme and evaluator reputation.
- He would replace D’Anton Lynn, who left in December for the same role at Penn State after USC’s 2025 season ended with an overtime Alamo Bowl loss to TCU.
- Staff changes reported around the hire include secondary coach Doug Belk not returning, Nebraska’s Mike Ekeler joining to run special teams and assist linebackers, and Rob Ryan shifting to an analyst role.
- USC’s defensive reset follows an inconsistent 2025 performance that ranked around 49th nationally in total defense at roughly 350.8 yards allowed per game, with remaining questions about final staff assignments.