USC close to hiring Gary Patterson as new defensive coordinator

LOS ANGELES — The long-awaited wait for the newest USC Trojans defensive coordinator could be coming within the next few days, as per reports by On3's Chris Low, Brett McMurphy and Pete Nakos, the Trojans are working towards finalizing a deal to make former USC and TCU head coach Gary Patterson the next defensive coordinator. 

Patterson and Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley have had a sustained relationship, dating back to their time as head coaches in the Big 12, before going separate paths in their careers. 

The 65-year-old Patterson has an extensive background in the realms of coaching, with his longest tenure as the head coach for the TCU Horned Frogs from 2001 to 2021. 

In his 20-year tenure leading the Horned Frogs, Patterson finished with a 181-79 record throughout three conference changes (Conference USA, Mountain West and Big 12) and 17 bowl appearances. 

In the most recent years, Patterson would see himself engaged in roles outside of the gridiron with Texas and Baylor.

The two-time AP Coach of the Year in college football will become USC's third defensive coordinator under Riley, following the news that former UCLA defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn would leave his post to join his alma mater, Penn State, to lead their defensive schemes for 2026. 

Under Lynn, the Trojans' defense has looked the best it's been in years, and now, with USC entering a crucial 2026 season, Riley and company are putting their chips on one of the most experienced coaches in the college landscape to lead a defensive scheme that will only get better by each passing week.