USC Trojans Announce New Assistant Coaches

Additions of Paul Gonzales and Skyler Jones bolster Trojans' defensive coaching staff

Feb. 19, 2026 at 7:23pm

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The USC Trojans have officially announced the hiring of three new assistant coaches on the defensive side of the ball. The team has brought on Mike Ekeler as special teams coordinator and linebackers coach, Paul Gonzales as safeties coach and defensive pass game coordinator, and promoted Skyler Jones from analyst to defensive tackle coach.

Why it matters

These coaching hires and promotions are important for the Trojans as they look to continue building a strong defensive unit under new defensive coordinator Gary Patterson. Ekeler, Gonzales, and Jones all bring valuable experience and expertise that should help elevate the Trojans' defense.

The details

Ekeler is joining USC after a successful one-year stint as special teams coordinator at Nebraska, where he helped turn around the Huskers' special teams unit. Gonzales is reuniting with Patterson, having previously coached under him at TCU for 13 years. Jones has been with the Trojans for two seasons as a defensive analyst and will now take on a larger role coaching the defensive line.

  • The USC Trojans officially announced the coaching hires on February 17, 2026.

The players

Mike Ekeler

The new special teams coordinator and linebackers coach for the USC Trojans, coming over from Nebraska.

Paul Gonzales

The new safeties coach and defensive pass game coordinator for the USC Trojans, previously coached at TCU under Gary Patterson.

Skyler Jones

The new defensive tackle coach for the USC Trojans, previously served as a defensive analyst for the team.

Lincoln Riley

The head coach of the USC Trojans football team.

Gary Patterson

The new defensive coordinator for the USC Trojans, previously the head coach at TCU.

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What they’re saying

“This is an exciting return to USC for Mike and his family. Mike's special teams and linebacker units are elite, and he brings 23 years of Power Four experience on staffs that have produced some of the nation's finest defenses and special teams. We're thrilled to welcome him back to Los Angeles as part of our program.”

— Lincoln Riley, Head Coach

“We're happy to welcome Paul to the Trojan Family. His experience working alongside Coach Patterson combined with his strong football acumen and energy will have an immediate impact on our defense. He will quickly elevate the development and performance of our safeties.”

— Lincoln Riley, Head Coach

“We are thrilled for Skyler. He has earned this opportunity by consistently developing high-level performers, building meaningful relationships with our players, and demonstrating his commitment to the standard of excellence we expect in our program. He will continue to enhance our defensive line and elevate the talent in our room.”

— Lincoln Riley, Head Coach

What’s next

The new coaching staff will begin working with the Trojans' players immediately as they prepare for the upcoming 2026 season.

The takeaway

These coaching hires and promotions demonstrate USC's commitment to building a strong defensive unit under new defensive coordinator Gary Patterson. The additions of Ekeler, Gonzales, and Jones bring valuable experience and expertise that should help the Trojans continue to improve on the defensive side of the ball.