USC Hires Veteran Coach Gary Patterson as New Defensive Coordinator

The former TCU head coach brings decades of experience to bolster the Trojans' defense.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 8:07pm

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The University of Southern California has hired veteran coach Gary Patterson as its new defensive coordinator. Patterson, who previously served as the head coach at TCU for over 20 years, was introduced to the media at a press conference on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at USC's John McKay Center in Los Angeles.

Why it matters

Patterson's arrival is seen as a major coup for the Trojans, as he brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of building stout defenses. His hiring is expected to significantly improve USC's defensive performance and help the team compete for a conference championship.

The details

At the press conference, Patterson discussed his excitement to join the USC program and work alongside head coach Lincoln Riley to elevate the Trojans' defense. He emphasized his commitment to recruiting top talent and implementing a disciplined, aggressive defensive scheme.

  • The press conference introducing Gary Patterson as USC's new defensive coordinator was held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.

The players

Gary Patterson

A veteran coach with over 20 years of experience as the head coach at TCU, Patterson is now taking on the role of defensive coordinator at the University of Southern California.

Lincoln Riley

The head coach of the USC football team, Riley brought in Patterson to bolster the Trojans' defense and help the program compete for a conference title.

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What they’re saying

“I'm excited to join the USC program and work with Coach Riley to build a dominant defense. We have the talent and resources to compete at the highest level, and I'm looking forward to the challenge.”

— Gary Patterson, USC Defensive Coordinator (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

Patterson and the USC coaching staff will now focus on recruiting top defensive talent and implementing their new defensive scheme during the offseason, with the goal of having the Trojans' defense ready to excel when the 2026 season kicks off.

The takeaway

The hiring of Gary Patterson as USC's new defensive coordinator represents a significant upgrade for the Trojans, as they look to bolster their defense and compete for a conference championship under head coach Lincoln Riley.